Royal Fleet Auxiliary Service Medal

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Royal Fleet Auxiliary Service Medal
Royal Fleet Auxiliary Service Ribbon.png
Ribbon of the medal
TypeLong service medal
Awarded for20 years service
Countrythe United Kingdom
EligibilityOfficers, petty officers, and rates of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary
StatusCurrently awarded
Order of Wear
Next (higher) Ambulance Service (Emergency Duties) Long Service and Good Conduct Medal [1]
Next (lower) Prison Services (Operational Duties) Long Service and Good Conduct Medal [1]

The Royal Fleet Auxiliary Service Medal is a long service medal presented to the officers, petty officers, and rates of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) who complete 20 years of service. While the RFA services the fleet of the Royal Navy around the world, RFA crews are civilians and thus not eligible for Royal Navy long service awards and decorations. In 2001, a Royal Warrant was promulgated establishing the medal to recognize the long and efficient service the RFA personnel. [2] The first awards were presented in 2003 with some 400 RFA personnel eligible for award. [3]

Appearance

The Royal Fleet Auxiliary Service Medal is a silver coloured circular medal made of cupro-nickel. The obverse bears the right facing portrait head of Queen Elizabeth II wearing the Imperial State Crown. Surrounding the portrait is the legend ELIZABETH.II.DEI .GRATIA.REGINA.FID.DEF. The reverse depicts the badge of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary: at its centre is a large fouled anchor supported on either side by the two Tritons each bearing a trident. Around the reverse edge is the legend ROYAL FLEET AUXILIARY and FOR LONG SERVICE separated by a small oak branch with three leaves and an acorn. Designed by Timothy Noad, his initials (TN) are located at the base of the anchor. [4]

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Colonial Auxiliary Forces Long Service Medal Award

The Colonial Auxiliary Forces Long Service Medal was instituted by Queen Victoria in 1899 as a military long service award for part-time members of all ranks in any of the organized military forces of the British Colonies, Dependencies and Protectorates throughout the British Empire. The medal gradually superseded the Volunteer Long Service Medal for India and the Colonies in all these territories, with the exception of the Isle of Man, Bermuda and the Indian Empire.

References

  1. 1 2 "No. 62529". The London Gazette (Supplement). 11 January 2019. p. 327.
  2. The Royal Fleet Auxiliary Service Medal: Royal Warrant. London: The Stationery Office. 2001. ISBN   9780101526425.
  3. "Golden Year for RFA men". Navy News. August 2003. Retrieved 14 July 2013.
  4. "Royal Fleet Auxiliary Long Service Medal". Imperial War Museums. Retrieved 26 July 2021.