It was intended that the medal would be awarded for any future campaign where a medal was issued to the troops taking part, but it was not awarded again after the South Africa and China wars.[5][6]
The medal, 1.4 inches (36mm) in diameter, is silver and has a plain straight swivel suspender. The obverse bears the head of King Edward VII in Royal Navy uniform, with the inscription EDWARDVS VII REX IMPERATOR.[1] The reverse depicts HMS Ophir beneath a map of the world with, below, the words in Latin OB PATRIAM MILITIBUS PER MARE TRANSVECTIS ADJUTAM which translates as for services rendered in transporting troops by sea.[3] The recipient's name, although not his rank or ship, is impressed in block capitals on the rim of the medal.[1] The 1.25 inches (32mm) wide ribbon is red, with a blue stripe towards each edge.[1]
Clasps
S.AFRICA 1899–1902
For services related to the South African War, 13 September 1899 – 31 October 1902.[2]
CHINA 1900
For services related to the Boxer Rebellion, 1 June 1900 – 31 December 1901.[2]
The officers of 117 transports and eleven hospital ships qualified, with a total of 1,719 medals awarded: 1,219 with the 'S. Africa 1899-1902' clasp, 322 with the 'China 1900' clasp and 178 with both clasps.[lower-alpha 2]
↑ Specifically, Masters, First, Second and Third Officers, First, Second and Third Engineers, Pursers and Surgeons.[2]
↑ Precise award figures vary slightly. For example, Edward Joslin states 1,270 S. Africa, 323 China and 188 two clasp medals,[7] while Robert J. Paterson notes a total of 1,810 medals and 180 ships.[2]
1 2 3 4 5 Joslin, Litherland and Simpkin. British Battles and Medals. p.210. Published Spink, London. 1988.
1 2 3 4 Paterson, Robert J. (September 2022). "Transport Medal: memorandum of rules of award". Orders & Medals Research Society Journal. 61 (3): 223. ISSN1474-3353.
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