History

The Queen's Gallantry Medal was established by Royal Warrant in 1974. It replaced the British Empire Medal and other awards in the Order of the British Empire conferred for gallantry.

The Silver Medal is awarded to British civilians in recognition of acts of gallantry. Although it is primarily awarded to civilians, British military personnel may also be awarded the Medal when acts of gallantry are performed outside of action in the face of the enemy, and where no other military decoration is suitable.

The Medal may be awarded multiple times to the same recipient, in which case a clasp is worn on the ribbon to denote each additional award.

The Medal has also been awarded posthumously since 1977 and all recipients are entitled to use the post-nominal letters QGM.

Men wear the medal on a breast ribbon and women wear the medal on a bow.

There may be additional awards that differ in size.