History

This Medal was awarded to all ranks of military personnel in recognition of long and meritorious service within the Royal Navy. It was also conferred upon sailors in the Merchant Navy.

The Medal was awarded from 1904-1945, in a single silver grade. It was conferred upon military personnel after 22 years of meritorious service in the Navy. The Silver Medal was also awarded to sailors in the Merchant Navy after 24 years of faithful service.

On March 1, 1945, Umberto I expanded the medal into three grades, gold, silver, and bronze. Each grade was awarded to recognize a specific range of service years.

The medals may feature the stamped mark "S.J." or "38 MI."

The Gold Medal was awarded for a minimum of 20 years or more of faithful and meritorious service in the Navy and Merchant Navy.