History

The India General Service Medal (1908-1935) was sanctioned by King Edward VII, King of England, by Army Order on January 1st, 1909. The Medal is awarded to Officers and men of British and Indian armies in recognition of service in minor campaigns and operations in India before and after the First World War. Up until 1919, Silver Medals were issued to combatants while native bearers and servants received Bronze Medals. Following 1919, all awards were issued in Silver.

Each campaign was represented by a clasp, and the Medal was never issued without a clasp. There were 12 possible clasps authorized for wear with the India General Service Medal (1908-1935):

1. "NORTH WEST FRONTIER 1908"
2. "ABOR 1911-12"
3. "AFGHANISTAN NWF 1919"
4. "MAHSUD 1919-20"
5. "WAZIRISTAN 1919-21"
6. "MALABAR 1921-22"
7. "WAZIRISTAN 1921-24"
8. "WAZIRISTAN 1925"
9. "NW FRONTIER 1930-31"
10. "BURMA 1930-32"
11. "MOHMAND 1933"
12. "NW FRONTIER 1935"

There are 3 different versions of the medal which vary by the obverse design of the reigning monarch. Medals manufactured by Royal Mint feature an ornate claw suspension while Medals manufactured by Calcutta Mint feature a plain claw suspension.