History

The Military General Service Medal was established by General Order on June 1, 1847. The Medal was retroactively awarded to all Officers, Non-Commissioned Officers and enlisted men of the British Army who served in battles during the period of 1793-1814, including those in the French Revolutionary Wars (1792-1902), the Napoleonic Wars (1803-1815), and the Anglo-American War of 1812.

Every medal was awarded with at least one clasp that denoted service in a specific battle. The highest number officially issued to one recipient was fifteen. The following 29 clasps were officially issued:

1. "EGYPT"
2. "MAIDA"
3. "ROLEIA"
4. "VIMEIRA"
5. "SAHAGUN"
6. "BENEVENTE"
7. "SAHAGUN & BENEVENTE"
8. "CORUNNA"
9. "MARTINIQUE"
10. "TALAVERA"
11. "GUADALOUPE"
12. "BUSACO"
13. "BARROSA"
14. "FUENTES D’ONOR"
15. "ALBUHERA"
16. "JAVA"
17. "CUIDAD RODRIGO"
18. "BADAJOZ"
19. "SALAMANCA"
20. "FORT DETROIT"
21. "VITTORIA"
22. "PYRENEES"
23. "ST SEBASTIAN"
24. "CHATEAUGUAY"
25. "NIVELLE"
26. "CHRYSTLER’S FARM"
27. "NIVE"
28. "ORTHES"
29. "TOULOUSE"

There may be additional versions that differ in size.