Naval Long Service and Good Conduct Medal (1848) | |
---|---|
Type | Military long service medal |
Awarded for | 21, 10, 15 years service, as prescribed from time to time |
Country | United Kingdom |
Presented by | the Monarch of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland |
Eligibility | Naval Other Ranks, Officers from the ranks from 1981, all Officers from 2016 |
Status | Current |
Established | 1848 |
First awarded | 1848 |
Order of wear | |
Next (higher) | Medal for Long Service and Good Conduct (Military) |
Equivalent | Naval Long Service and Good Conduct Medal (1830) |
Next (lower) | Medal for Meritorious Service (Royal Navy 1918-1928) |
The Naval Long Service and Good Conduct Medal (1848) is a long service medal awarded to regular members of His Majesty's Naval Service. It was instituted by Queen Victoria to replace the Naval Long Service and Good Conduct Medal (1830), and could be awarded to other ranks and men serving in the Royal Navy and Royal Marines. [1] [2] Since 2016, after a number of changes in eligibility, all regular members of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines (ratings, marines and officers) who have completed fifteen years of reckonable service can be awarded the medal.
The Naval Long Service and Good Conduct Medal (1830) was introduced on 20 November 1830 and ratified by King William IV on 24 August 1831. This medal, known as the "anchor type", could only be awarded to selected other ranks, ratings or marines after altogether 21 years of service and good conduct. It remained in use until 1847, ten years into the reign of Queen Victoria. [3] [4] [5]
The Naval Long Service and Good Conduct Medal (1848) was instituted by Queen Victoria to replace the Naval Long Service and Good Conduct Medal (1830). The new medal could still only be awarded to other ranks, ratings and marines, but from March 1981 it could also be awarded to officers who had completed at least twelve years of service in the ranks before being commissioned. [1]
When it was instituted in 1848, the medal could be awarded after 21 years of unblemished service. The qualifying period was reduced to ten years in 1874, [6] and then increased again to fifteen years, as per Fleet Circular No 36L dated 21 November 1884. [7] [8]
Generic text to describe the long service medal was recycled for each of the three services on the Ministry of Defence website. Whilst the qualifying period was reduced in 1977 from eighteen to fifteen years service for the Army and RAF, this reduction was not applicable for the Royal Navy. This comment was erroneously appearing on their website from 12 December 2012 [9] [10] to 7 December 2016. [11] As a consequence, other online sources indicate the qualifying period for the Royal Navy was extended to eighteen years, and that the time served requirement was finally reduced to fifteen years with effect from 1 December 1977. [2] [12] This is not borne out by neither primary sources nor by the service histories of the medal recipients. [13] [14] [15] The regulations were last updated on 1 October 2016. [16]
Any other rank, rating or marine who had completed fifteen years of reckonable service and who held three good conduct badges, became eligible to receive the medal. Since there were a number of offences which would normally preclude the award of the medal, awards were only made after a thorough check of a sailor's service record. The award of the medal required the recommendation of the individual's commanding officer and it could therefore only be awarded to serving personnel. Along with the medal, a recipient was paid a gratuity. [1] [2] [3] [16] [17] [18]
The first good conduct badge could be awarded upon completion of two years service, with the required standard of conduct not falling below "Very Good". The second could be granted after a further four years, or six years total service, and the third after another six years, or twelve years total service. Further good conduct badges could be awarded every six years. When in uniform, a large inverted chevron was worn on the lower left forearm to denote the award of a good conduct badge, with subsequent awards represented by additional chevrons. [16] [19]
During the reign of King George V a clasp to the medal was introduced. The clasp can be awarded for an additional fifteen years of service, subject to the same requirements as those for the award of the medal. [1] [2] [16]
Regular Force officers were not previously eligible for any long service awards since, as they held a commission, they were expected to serve honourably and for a long period of time. From March 1981 officers also became eligible for the award of the medal, but only if at least twelve of the fifteen years of service had been in the ranks and provided that the conduct requirements for the award of the medal had been met. Also from that date, an officer became eligible for the award of the clasp if at least twenty-two of the thirty years of his or her service had been in the ranks and provided that the conduct requirements had been met. [1] [2] [16] [20] This changed in October 2016 when officers who had not previously served in the ranks were also granted eligibility, providing their record was clear of disciplinary entries. [21]
In the order of wear prescribed by the British Central Chancery of the Orders of Knighthood, the Naval Long Service and Good Conduct Medal (1848) ranks on par with the Naval Long Service and Good Conduct Medal (1830) that it replaced. It takes precedence after the Medal for Long Service and Good Conduct (Military) and before the Medal for Meritorious Service (Royal Navy 1918-1928). [22]
The medal was struck in silver and is a disk, 36 millimetres (1.42 inches) in diameter, slightly larger than the earlier "anchor type" medal of 1830, which is 34 millimetres (1.34 inches) in diameter. [1]
Obverse
The obverse of the medal shows the effigy of the reigning monarch. Since the medal was instituted in 1848, seven obverse versions have been awarded, with two versions each during the reigns of Queen Victoria and King George V. [1] [2]
Reverse
The reverse shows a starboard broadside view of HMS Victory, a three-masted ship of the line and Lord Nelson's flagship at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. The ship is encircled by a rope tied with a reef knot at the foot and with the words "FOR LONG SERVICE AND GOOD CONDUCT" around the circumference between the rope and the raised rim. [1] [16] [23] [24]
The design on the reverse has remained virtually unaltered through all versions of the medal. Generally speaking, the two early Queen Victoria versions with a wide suspender had a slightly different reverse with a larger flag at the masthead of the ship, while the later narrow suspender and subsequent versions had a more triangular flag.
Clasp
The clasp bears a laurel leaf design. When the ribbon bar alone is worn, a silver rosette on the ribbon denotes the award of a clasp. [1] [2] [16]
Ribbon
The original 1848 ribbon, worn with the original wide suspender version of the medal, is 38 millimetres wide and Navy blue, with 7 millimetres wide white edges. Along with the second version of the medal with its narrower suspender that was introduced in 1874, the ribbon dimensions were changed to 32 millimetres wide and Navy blue, with 6½ millimetres wide white edges. [25] [1] [2] [26] [16]
The first version of the medal has the effigy of Queen Victoria on the obverse and was designed by William Wyon, the chief engraver at the Royal Mint from 1828 until his death. The reverse has the image of HMS Victory that would remain virtually unchanged through all subsequent versions of the medal. The details of the recipient were either engraved or, after 1877, impressed around the edge of the medal, [27] showing his service number, rank and name and also the name of a Naval rating's ship or shore establishment, or a Marine's division. [28]
Two versions of the Queen Victoria obverse were produced. An estimated 100 of the medals have the year "1848" in relief below Queen Victoria's bust. These medals were struck in error using the die for the Naval General Service Medal (1847). [29]
Two versions of suspender were also produced. The first medals, including the dated ones, had a straight suspender that was wide enough to accept the 38 millimetres (1½ inches) wide ribbon. [30] The suspender was changed to a narrower width in 1875, to accept a new 32 millimetres (1¼ inches) wide ribbon. [25] Both types of suspender were swivelling and were affixed to the medal by means of a double-toe claw and a horizontal pin through the upper edge of the medal.
The King Edward VII version appeared after his succession to the throne on 22 January 1901. The obverse has a raised rim, with the King's effigy in Admiral's uniform, facing left and inscribed "EDWARDVS VII REX IMPERATOR" around the perimeter. The initials "De S" below the epaulette on the King's left shoulder are those of the engraver, British medallist George William de Saulles. [31]
The medal has a swivelling bar suspension, attached to the medal with a single-toe claw and a horizontal pin through the upper edge of the medal, with double scroll claw supports on the medal rim.
King George V succeeded to the throne on 6 May 1910. Two versions of obverse were awarded during his reign, both with raised rims. The first version shows the King in Admiral's uniform, facing left and inscribed "GEORGIVS V BRITT: OMN: REX ET IND: IMP:" around the perimeter. [24]
The second version with the coinage effigy appeared in the 1920s and shows the King bareheaded and facing left. The inscription around the perimeter on this version of the medal is the same as on the first. The initials "BM" on the truncation of the King's neck are those of the designer of the obverse, Bertram Mackennal, an Australian sculptor. [32]
Both versions have non-swivelling bar suspensions, attached to the medal with a single-toe claw and a horizontal pin through the upper edge of the medal, with double scroll claw supports on the medal rim.
The King George VI version appeared after he succeeded to the throne on 11 December 1936. The medal also has a raised rim and shows the King bareheaded and facing left. The medal is inscribed "GEORGIVS VI D: G: BR: OMN: REX F: D: IND: IMP." around the perimeter.
The initials "HP" below the truncation of the King's neck are those of the designer of the obverse of the medal, Thomas Humphrey Paget, an English medal and coin designer. [33]
This version of the medal also has a non-swiveling bar suspension, attached to the medal with a single-toe claw and a horizontal pin through the upper edge of the medal, with double scroll claw supports on the medal rim.
The Queen Elizabeth II version appeared after she succeeded to the throne on 6 February 1952. The medal shows a bareheaded effigy of the Queen, facing right, and is inscribed "ELIZABETH•II•DEI•GRATIA•REGINA•F:D:", reading around from a cross at the top. The effigy was designed by Mary Gillick and was also used on general-circulation coinage for the United Kingdom from 1953, as well as in cameo form on British commemorative postage stamps since 1966. [34]
The Queen Elizabeth II version reverted to swivelling suspenders. While the double scroll claw supports of the earlier versions were retained, the suspender is attached to the top of the medal rim without the hitherto used claw and pin attachment.
In October 2016, it was announced that the Long Service and Good Conduct Medals of the respective services would be extended to all personnel serving in the Regular Forces, including officers, who meet the requirements of award. The medal will be awarded for any period of fifteen years service free of any disciplinary entries, regardless of rank. This change is retroactive to those officers still in the Regular Forces from 29 July 2014. Additionally, clasps will be awarded for an additional 10 years of eligible service with a back date to 29 July 2014 for officers and to 1 October 2016 for other ranks. [36] [37]
The Air Efficiency Award, post-nominal letters AE for officers, was instituted in 1942. It could be awarded after ten years of meritorious service to officers, airmen and airwomen in the Auxiliary and Volunteer Air Forces of the United Kingdom and the Territorial Air Forces and Air Force Reserves of the Dominions, the Indian Empire, Burma, the Colonies and Protectorates.
The Decoration for Officers of the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, post-nominal letters VD until c. 1947 and VRD thereafter, was instituted in 1908. It could be awarded to part-time commissioned officers in the United Kingdom's Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve after twenty years of service as efficient and thoroughly capable officers. The decoration was a Naval version of the Volunteer Officers' Decoration and its successor, the Territorial Decoration.
The Efficiency Medal was instituted in 1930 for award to part-time warrant officers, non-commissioned officers and men after twelve years of efficient service on the active list of the Militia or the Territorial Army of the United Kingdom, or of the other Auxiliary Military Forces throughout the British Empire. At the same time a clasp was instituted for award to holders of the medal upon completion of further periods of six years of efficient service.
The Medal for Long Service and Good Conduct (Military) is a medal awarded to regular members of the armed forces. It was instituted by King George V in 1930 and replaced the Army Long Service and Good Conduct Medal as well as the Permanent Forces of the Empire Beyond the Seas Medal. The medal was originally awarded to Regular Army warrant officers, non-commissioned officers and men of the UK Armed Forces. It also had a number of territorial versions for the Permanent Forces of the British Dominions. The eligibility criteria were relaxed in 1947 to also allow the award of the medal to officers who had served a minimum period in the ranks before being commissioned. Since 2016, the eligibility was widened to include officers who had never served in the ranks, and so the medal can now be awarded to all regular members of the British Armed Forces who meet the required length of service.
The Efficiency Medal (South Africa) was instituted in 1930 for award to part-time warrant officers, non-commissioned officers and men after twelve years of efficient service on the active list of the Citizen Force of the Union of South Africa. At the same time, a clasp was instituted for award to holders of the medal upon completion of further periods of six years of efficient service. The medal superseded the Colonial Auxiliary Forces Long Service Medal.
The Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve Long Service and Good Conduct Medal, initially designated the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve Long Service Medal, was instituted in 1908. It could be awarded to part-time ratings in the United Kingdom's Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve after twelve years of service and good conduct. The medal was a Naval version of the Volunteer Long Service Medal and its successor, the Territorial Force Efficiency Medal.
The Permanent Forces of the Empire Beyond the Seas Medal is a long service and good conduct medal, instituted for award to other ranks of the Permanent Forces of the Dominions and Colonies of the British Empire. The medal, also known as the Permanent Overseas Forces Long Service and Good Conduct Medal, was established in 1910 as a single common award to supersede the several local versions of the Army Long Service and Good Conduct Medal which were being awarded by the various territories.
The Volunteer Long Service Medal was instituted in 1894 as an award for long service by other ranks and some officers of the United Kingdom's Volunteer Force. Award of the medal was discontinued when it was superseded by the Territorial Force Efficiency Medal in 1908.
The Medal for Long Service and Good Conduct (South Africa) (Medalje vir Langdurige Diens en Goeie Gedrag) is a distinctive South African version of the British Medal for Long Service and Good Conduct (Military). It was awarded to members of the Permanent Force of the Union of South Africa who had completed eighteen years of reckonable service.
In 1895, Queen Victoria authorised Colonial governments to adopt various British military decorations and medals and to award them to their local military forces. The Colony of Natal introduced this system in August 1895 and, in 1897, instituted the Distinguished Conduct Medal (Natal), post-nominal letters DCM.
The Army Long Service and Good Conduct Medal was instituted by King William IV in 1830. The medal remained in use for 100 years, until it was replaced by the Medal for Long Service and Good Conduct (Military) in 1930. During that time the reverse of the medal remained virtually unchanged, while the design of the obverse was altered during the reigns of Queen Victoria, King Edward VII and King George V.
In May 1895, Queen Victoria authorised Colonial governments to adopt various British military medals and to award them to their local military forces. The Cape of Good Hope introduced this system in September 1895 and, in 1896, instituted the Army Long Service and Good Conduct Medal (Cape of Good Hope).
In May 1895, Queen Victoria authorised Colonial governments to adopt various British military medals and to award them to their local military forces. The Colony of Natal introduced this system in August 1895 and, in 1897, instituted the Army Long Service and Good Conduct Medal (Natal).
The Naval Long Service and Good Conduct Medal (1830) of the United Kingdom was introduced in 1830 and ratified by King William IV in 1831. It could only be awarded to selected Navy ratings after altogether 21 years of service and good conduct. The medal remained in use until 1847, when it was replaced by the Naval Long Service and Good Conduct Medal (1848).
The Royal Air Force Long Service and Good Conduct Medal is a medal awarded to regular members of the Royal Air Force in recognition of long service. It was instituted by King George V in 1919, the year following the establishment of the world's first independent air force. At first, the medal was awarded to Regular Force non-commissioned officers and airmen of the Royal Air Force. The award criteria were later relaxed to also allow the award of the medal to officers who had served a minimum period in the ranks before being commissioned. Since 2016, it is awarded to all regular members of the RAF, including officers who had never served in the ranks.
In May 1895, Queen Victoria authorised Colonial governments to adopt various British military medals and to award them to members of their local permanent military forces. The Cape of Good Hope introduced this system in September 1895 and, in 1896, instituted the Meritorious Service Medal (Cape of Good Hope).
In May 1895, Queen Victoria authorised Colonial governments to adopt various British military medals and to award them to members of their local permanent military forces. The Colony of Natal introduced this system in August 1895 and, in 1897, instituted the Meritorious Service Medal (Natal).
The Naval Good Shooting Medal is a Naval gunnery medal that was instituted in 1902, for award to the gunner on each type of ship's gun in the fleet who achieved first place in the gunnery competitions held during the Annual Fleet Competitions. From 1903 to 1914 medals were awarded annually, until the competition was discontinued upon the outbreak of the First World War.
The Volunteer Long Service Medal was instituted in 1894 as an award for long service by other ranks and some officers of the United Kingdom's Volunteer Force. In 1896, the grant of the medal was extended to other ranks and officers who had served in the ranks of the Volunteer Forces throughout the British Empire. A separate new medal was instituted, the Volunteer Long Service Medal for India and the Colonies. Awarding of this medal was discontinued in stages when it was superseded in most territories by the Colonial Auxiliary Forces Long Service Medal in 1899 and in the remainder by the Efficiency Medal in 1930.
The Queen's Medal for Champion Shots of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines was instituted in 1966. The medal is a Naval counterpart of the Queen's Medal for Champion Shots in the Military Forces and the Queen's Medal for Champion Shots of the Air Forces and is identical to the Queen's Medal for Champion Shots of the New Zealand Naval Forces that had been instituted in 1958. One medal can be awarded annually to the champion shot of a small-arms marksmanship competition, held by the Royal Navy and Royal Marines.
Prior to 1 December 1977, 18 years service was required for consideration for the LS and GCM. Full details are laid out in RN BR 8748 from 0712.
Prior to 1 December 1977, 18 years service was required for consideration for the LS and GCM. Full details are laid out in RN BR 8748 from 0712.
Updated: 7 December 2016 - Medal descriptions and images updated. 12 June 2015 - Included announcement for the Ebola Medal for Service in West Africa. 11 March 2015 - Removed duplicate information from the South Atlantic Medal section. 5 March 2015 - Updated the text for South Atlantic medal, Berlin airlift and Cyprus 1963-64. 28 January 2015 - Amended details for applications for Cyprus 1955-59 and South Atlantic: The South Atlantic Medal and updated Veterans UK website link. 11 August 2014 - Updated sections General Service Medal 1962, General Service Medal 1918-62, South Atlantic Medal. 4 April 2014 - Added latest recipient of the Victoria Cross. 5 November 2013 - Added image of Bomber Command clasp. 12 December 2012 - First published.
Evans was awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal in July 1902 after 15 years' service
He commenced naval service as a Stoker Second Class in H.M.S. Pembroke II, on 30 September 1912... He was awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal in October 1927.
He joined the Royal Navy as a Boy 2nd Class in the telegraphy branch on 1 February 1924. ... He was awarded the L.S. & G.C. medal on 16 November 1941, and presented with the bar on 25 April 1957.
Royal Navy Edward VII LSGC Medal Search, approximately 2,700 recipients in the database