The General Service Medal (1918-1962) is a prestigious military service medal awarded for participation in various campaigns. Enhance your collection with this historic medal. Add the required clasp to your cart now. Read more..
This medal is always awarded with a clasp. Please add the required clasp to your cart.
The General Service Medal (1918-1962), often known as the GSM, was a military service medal of the United Kingdom established to recognise service in minor army and air force operations for which no other specific campaign medal was instituted. While this description is specific to the UK, many Commonwealth countries, including Australia, have their own versions of a General Service Medal with similar criteria.
Eligibility
The GSM was awarded to personnel of the armed forces and other qualifying organisations who participated in specified military campaigns during the time frame of 1918 to 1962. Each campaign was recognised by a distinct clasp to the medal ribbon, indicating the particular operation for which the medal was awarded.
Clasps
The following clasps were awarded for the GSM 1918-62:
Design
The GSM (1918-1962) typically featured the effigy of the reigning monarch at the time of issue on the obverse. The reverse bears a standing figure of Victory, holding a trident and a wreath. Before Victory is a winged sun above a sword with the tip pointing downwards.
Ribbon
The ribbon was often purple with a green central stripe, but variations existed depending on the specific issue and period.
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.
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.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.
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.
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.
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.
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