History

The Air Efficiency Award was established by King George VI by Royal Warrant in 1942. The Silver Medal was awarded to part-time Officers and other ranks of the Auxiliary and Voluntary Air Forces of the United Kingdom and Commonwealth in recognition of 10 years of efficient service. The award may also have been conferred upon princes and princesses of the blood royal. The Medal was replaced by the Volunteer Reserves Service Medal in 2000 in the United Kingdom but continues to be awarded in New Zealand.

A clasp superimposed with an eagle surmounted by a crown was awarded to denote an additional 10 years of service.

Officers are entitled to use the post-nominal letters "AE."

There are 3 versions of the Medal which vary by the obverse effigy of the ruling monarch. There may be additional versions of the Medal with different effigy designs not featured here.