History

The Naval General Service Medal was instituted by Admiralty Weekly Order in 1915 and awarded to members of the Royal Navy in recognition of service in minor war-like operations between 1915 and 1962. The Silver Medals rewards actions that were not already recognized by another award.

The Naval General Service Medal was always issued with a clasp, with 17 possible clasps denoting the campaign or recognized service authorized for award with the Silver Medal:

1. “PERSIAN GULF 1909-1914”
2. “IRAQ 1919-20”
3. “N.W. PERSIA 1919-20”
4. “PALESTINE 1936-39”
5. “S.E. ASIA 1945-46”
6. “MINESWEEPING 1945-51”
7. “PALESTINE 1945-48”
8. “MALAYA”
9. “YANGTZE 1949”
10. “BOMB & MINE CLEARANCE 1945-53”
11. “BOMB & MINE CLEARANCE 1945-46”
12. “BOMB & MINE CLEARANCE MEDITERRANEAN”
13. “CYPRUS”
14. “NEAR EAST”
15. “ARABIAN PENINSULA”
16. “BRUNEI”
17. “CANAL ZONE”

Additionally, recipients of the Bronze Medal who received a mention in despatches were entitled to a Bronze Oak leaf ribbon clasp.

There are 5 different versions of the Bronze Medal which vary by the obverse inscription of the reigning monarch. A variety of different naming styles were used.