Mercantile Marine Medal

The Mercantile Marine War Medal was instituted in 1919 by the Board of Trade and awarded to members of the British Mercantile Marine (Merchant Navy) who undertook one or more voyages through a war or danger zone during the First World War—or served at sea for at least six months between 4 August 1914 and 11 November 1918. Mariners participating in coastal trades such as pilotage, fishing, lighthouse keeping, and cable ship operations were also eligible. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

Eligibility

Awarded to merchant seamen who either served at sea for at least six months during the war or made one or more voyages through designated danger zones. There was no minimum service requirement for those killed, wounded, or taken prisoner. All recipients also received the British War Medal. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

Medal Design

The circular bronze medal (approx. 36 mm in diameter) bears on the obverse the bareheaded effigy of King George V with the inscription GEORGIVS V BRITT : OMN : REX ET IND : IMP :. The reverse depicts a merchant steamship bravely cutting through turbulent seas, with a sinking submarine to one side and a sailing ship in the distance, all encircled by a laurel wreath and the inscription FOR WAR SERVICE — MERCANTILE MARINE 1914-1918. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

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.

Mercantile Marine 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.

Mercantile Marine 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.

Mercantile Marine 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.

Mercantile Marine 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.

Mercantile Marine 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.

MagnaRack® Magnetic Mounting

MagnaRack® is a revolutionary magnetic system designed to make medal and ribbon mounting easier, faster, and more secure. Whether you're in the military, a veteran, part of an emergency service, or proudly wearing a loved one's medals, MagnaRack eliminates the hassle of traditional pins that damage uniforms. The system is incredibly easy to use, perfect for those with limited dexterity, and ideal for elderly users who find small pins difficult to handle.