Replacement Medal Ribbon


PLEASE NOTE

We no longer offer replacement ribbon.

Awards and decorations of the British Military are military orders, decorations and medals which recognise service and personal accomplishments while a member of the British armed forces. Together with military badges, such awards are a means to outwardly display the highlights of a service member's career.

Order of wear

All services use a common order of wear, the following general rules apply:

  1. The Victoria Cross and the George Cross
  2. United Kingdom Orders
  3. United Kingdom Decorations
  4. Order of St John (all classes)
  5. United Kingdom Medals for Gallantry and for Distinguished Service
  6. United Kingdom Operational Service Medals (including authorised United Nations Medals and Medals of other recognised International Organisations). Worn in order of date of award
  7. United Kingdom Polar Medals
  8. United Kingdom Police Medals for Valuable Service
  9. United Kingdom Jubilee, Coronation and Durbar Medals
  10. Long Service and Efficiency Awards
  11. Commonwealth Orders, Decorations and Medals instituted by the Sovereign. Worn in order of date of award.
  12. Commonwealth Orders, Decorations and Medals instituted since 1949 otherwise than by the Sovereign (including those of the States of Malaysia and the State of Brunei). Worn in order of date of award.
  13. Foreign Orders. If approved for wear, worn in order of date of award.
  14. Foreign Decorations. If approved for wear, worn in order of date of award.
  15. Foreign Medals. If approved for wear, worn in order of date of award.

British military medals and ribbons

Military orders and decorations

EmblemDescriptionPostnomEstablishedEligibility PeriodRemarks

Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textVictoria CrossVC5 Feb 1856Jan 1856 – present 
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textGeorge CrossGC24 Sep 19401940 – present 

Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textKnight/Dame Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath
(Military Division)
GCB(Mil)27 May 172527 May 1725 – presentPrior to 2 Jan 1815, this grade was known as a Knight Companion of the Order of the Bath.
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textOrder of Merit
(Military Division)
OM(Mil)23 Jun 190223 Jun 1902 – present 
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textKnight/Dame Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire
(Military Division)
GBE(Mil)24 Aug 19174 Jun 1917 – present 

Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textKnight/Dame of the Order of the Bath
(Military Division)
KCB(Mil)
DCB(Mil)
2 Jan 18152 Jan 1815 – present 
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textKnight/Dame of the Order of the British Empire
(Military Division)
KBE(Mil)
DBE(Mil)
24 Aug 19174 Jun 1917 – present 

Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textCompanion of the Order of the Bath
(Military Division)
CB(Mil)2 Jan 18151815 – present 
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textCommander of the Order of the British Empire
(Military Division)
CBE(Mil)24 Aug 19174 Jun 1917 – present 

Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textDistinguished Service OrderDSO09 Nov 18861885 – presentFrom Oct 1993 awarded for leadership only. Replaced for gallantry in Oct 1993 by the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross.

Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textOfficer of the Order of the British Empire
(Military Division)
OBE(Mil)24 Aug 19174 Jun 1917 – present 

Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textMember of the Order of the British Empire
(Military Division)
MBE(Mil)24 Aug 19174 Jun 1917 – present 

Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textIndian Order of Merit (1st Class)
(Military Division)
IOM(Mil) 1837–1911Replaced by the VC in 1911.
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textIndian Order of Merit (2nd Class)
(Military Division)
IOM(Mil) 1837–1947 
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textIndian Order of Merit (3rd Class)
(Military Division)
IOM(Mil) 1837–1947 

Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textConspicuous Gallantry CrossCGCOctober 19931993 – present 
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textRoyal Red Cross (Class I)RRC27 April 18831883 – present 

Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textDistinguished Service CrossDSCJune 19011901 – present 
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textMilitary CrossMCDec 19141914 – present 
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textDistinguished Flying CrossDFCJune 19181918 – present 
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textAir Force CrossAFC3 Jun 19181918 – present 
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textRoyal Red Cross (Class II)ARRC27 April 18831917 – present 
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textOrder of British India (First Class)OBI 1837–1947 
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textOrder of British India (Second Class)OBI 1837–1947 

Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textDistinguished Conduct MedalDCM18541854–1993 
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textConspicuous Gallantry MedalCGM 1874–1993 
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textConspicuous Gallantry Medal (Flying)CGM18741874–1993 
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textGeorge MedalGMSeptember 19401940 – present 
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textRoyal West African Frontier Force Distinguished Conduct Medal 19071907–1942 
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textKing's African Rifles Distinguished Conduct Medal 19071907–1942 

Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textIndian Distinguished Service MedalIDSMJune 19071907–1947 
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textDistinguished Service MedalDSMOctober 19141914–1993 
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textMilitary MedalMM25 March 19161916–1993 
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textDistinguished Flying MedalDFMJune 19181918–1993 
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textAir Force MedalAFM3 June 19181918–1993 
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textMedal for Saving Life at SeaSGM10 August 18541854 – present 
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textBurma Gallantry MedalBGM10 May 19401940–1948 
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textQueen's Gallantry MedalQGM20 June 19741974 – present 
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textBritish Empire MedalBEM24 Aug 191704 Jun 1917 – 1993
2012–Present
 
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textQueen's Volunteer Reserves MedalQVRM19991999 – present 

Insignia image of a bronze, single oakleaf insignia representing the award of a Mentioned in DespatchesMentioned in Despatches
19201914 – present 
Queens Commendation for Brave Conduct.pngKing's/Queen's Commendation for Brave Conduct
 1939–1994 
 King's/Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service in the Air
 1939–1994 
 Queen's Commendation for Bravery
 1994 – present 
 Queen's Commendation for Bravery in the Air
 1994 – present 
 Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service
 1993 – present 

Note Eligibility period start dates reflect respective establishment dates, except where available evidence indicates otherwise.

Military campaign medals

EmblemDescriptionEstablishedEligibility PeriodRemarks
18th Century Campaign Medals
Yellow CordMorighyr Mutiny Medal17661766HEIC Issue.[C 1]
Yellow CordDecan Medal17841778–1784HEIC Issue. Awarded in gold to Subadars, silver gilt to Jemadars and other native officers, and silver to 'native' non-commissioned officers and soldiers.
Yellow CordMysore Medal1 Apr 17931790–1792HEIC Issue. Awarded in gold to Subadars, silver gilt to Jemadars and Serrangs, and silver to 'native' non-commissioned officers and soldiers.
19th Century Campaign Medals
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textSiege of Seringapatam Medal1801March 1799 – 8 May 1799HEIC Issue. Awarded in gold, silver gilt, silver, bronze and tin dependant upon rank and position to both British subjects and 'native' soldiers. Authorised for British Army wear on 29 Aug 1815. Several other ribbons were worn unofficially.
Yellow CordMedal for Egypt 180131 Jul 180208 Mar 1801 – 31 Aug 1801HEIC Issue. Awarded in gold to senior officers, and silver to all others eligible.
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textArmy Gold Medal18061808–1814Issued with battle/action claps where appropriate.
Yellow CordCapture of Ceylon Medal15 May 18071795–1796HEIC Issue. Awarded in gold to 'native' officers, and silver to 'native' non-commissioned officers and soldiers.
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textArmy Gold Cross18101808–1814Issued with battle/action clasps where appropriate.
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textWaterloo Medal181616 Jun 1815 – 18 Jun 1815 
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textGhuznee Medal183921 Jul 1839 – 23 Jul 1839HEIC Issue.
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textCandahar, Ghuznee, Cabul Medal18421839–1842HEIC Issue.
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textJellalabad Medals1842 HEIC Issue.
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textMedal for the Defence of Kelat-I-Ghilzie1842 HEIC Issue.
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textChina War Medal (1842)18435 Jul 1840 – 29 Aug 1842Issued with clasps for Second China War where appropriate.
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textScinde Medal22 Sep 18431842–1843HEIC Issue. Issued in one of three types: "Meeanee 1943", "Hyderabad 1843" and "Meeanee/Hyderabad 1843".
See BelowGwalior Star1843 HEIC Issue, issued for the Battle of Gwalior, which was fought at Maharajpur and Panihaar. Medals indicated in central disc of star the battleground for which it was issued
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textMaharajpoor Star184329 Dec 1843HEIC Issue.
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textPunniar Star184329 Dec 1843HEIC Issue.
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textSutlej Medal17 Apr 18467 Sep 1845 – 14 Mar 1849HEIC Issue. Issued with battle/action clasps where appropriate.
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textNaval General Service Medal18471793–1840Always issued with battle/action clasps.
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textMilitary General Service Medal1 Jun 18471793–1814Always issued with battle/action clasps.
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textPunjab Medal2 Apr 18497 Sep 1848 – 14 Mar 1849HEIC Issue. Issued with battle/action clasps where appropriate.
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textArmy of India Medal21 Mar 18511803–1826HEIC Issue. Always issued with battle/action clasps.
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textIndia General Service Medal (1854)11 Mar 18541852–1895Issued in silver. From 1885, issued in bronze to non-enlisted support personnel. Always issued with battle/action clasps.
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textSouth Africa Medal (1854)18541834–1835
1846–1847
1850–1853
 
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textCrimean War Medal15 Dec 18541854–1856Issued with battle/action clasps where appropriate.
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textBaltic Medal23 Apr 18561854–1855 
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textIndian Mutiny Medal18581857–1858HEIC Issue. Issued with battle/action clasps where appropriate.
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textSecond China War Medal6 Mar 18611856–1860Issued with battle/action clasps where appropriate.
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textNew Zealand Medal18691845–1848
1860–1866
Issued in bronze and silver.
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textAbyssinian War Medal1869  
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textCanada General Service Medal 1866–1870 
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textAshantee Medal 1873–1874 
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textSouth Africa Medal (1877)Aug 18801877–1879Issued with campaign clasp where appropriate.
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textAfghanistan Medal18811878–1880 
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textKabul to Kandahar Star 1880 
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textEgypt Medal 1882–1889 
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textEast and West Africa Medal189213 Nov 1887 – 8 May 1900Issued in silver to officers and enlisted personnel and in bronze to non-enlisted support personnel. Issued with campaign and battle/action clasps where appropriate.
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textIndia General Service Medal (1895)1 Apr 18963 Mar 1895 – 10 Mar 1902Always issued with appropriate campaign clasps.
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textAshanti Star1896  
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textQueen's Sudan Medal1899  
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textEast and Central Africa Medal189920 Jul 1897 – 2 May 1899Always issued with appropriate campaign clasps.
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textQueen's South Africa MedalApr 190111 Oct 1899 – 31 May 1902Issued in silver to officers and enlisted personnel and in bronze to non-enlisted support personnel. Issued with appropriate battle or state clasps where appropriate.
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textQueen's Mediterranean Medal19021899–1902 
20th Century Campaign Medals

Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textThird China War Medal19011900Issued in silver to officers and enlisted personnel and in bronze to non-enlisted support personnel. Issued with battle/action clasps where appropriate.
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textAshanti Medal1901  
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textKing's South Africa Medal19021 Jan 1902 – 1 Jun 1902Issued with clasps and where appropriate.
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textAfrica General Service Medal1902 ? – 1962 
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textTransport Medal1903 For South Africa or China.
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textTibet Medal1 Feb 190513 Dec 1903 – 23 Sep 1904Issued in silver to officers and enlisted personnel and in bronze to non-enlisted support personnel.
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textIndia General Service Medal (1909)1 Jan 19091908–1935Issued in silver to officers and enlisted personnel and, during 1908–1912, in bronze to non-enlisted support personnel. Always issued with appropriate campaign clasps.

Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent text1914 StarApr 19175 Aug 1914 – 22 Nov 1914Issued with clasp where appropriate.
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent text1914-15 StarDec 19185 Aug 1914 – 31 Dec 1915 
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textBritish War Medal26 Jul 19195 Aug 1914 – 11 Nov 1918Issued in silver to officers and enlisted soldiers and in bronze to non-enlisted support personnel.
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textVictory Medal1 Sep 19195 Aug 1914 – 11 Nov 1918
1919–1920
11 Nov 1918 – 30 Nov 1919
World War 1. Issued with MID oak leaf cluster where appropriate.
British Naval Mission to Russia
North Sea mine clearance
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textTerritorial Force War MedalApr 19204 Aug 1914 – 11 Nov 1918 
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textMercantile Marine War Medal01 Sep 19194 Aug 1914 – 11 Nov 1918 

Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textNaval General Service Medal (1915)6 Aug 19151909 – 23 Dec 1962Always issued with appropriate campaign clasps.
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textGeneral Service Medal (1918)19 Jan 192312 Nov 1918 – 23 Dec 1962Always issued with appropriate campaign clasps.
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textIndia General Service Medal (1936)3 Aug 19381936–1939Always issued with appropriate campaign clasps. Issued with MID oak leaf where appropriate.

Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent text1939-45 Star19453 Sep 1939 – 2 Sep 1945Issued with clasps or where appropriate.
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textAtlantic Star 3 Sep 1939 – 8 May 1945Issued with clasps or where appropriate.
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textAir Crew Europe Star 3 Sep 1939 – 5 Jun 1944Issued with clasps or where appropriate.
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textAfrica Star 10 Jun 1940 – 12 May 1943Issued with clasps or or where appropriate.
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textPacific Star 8 Dec 1941 – 2 Sep 1945Issued with clasp where appropriate.
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textBurma Star 11 Dec 1941 – 2 Sep 1945Issued with clasp where appropriate.
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textItaly Star 11 Jun 1943 – 8 May 1945 
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textFrance and Germany Star 6 Jun 1944 – 8 May 1945Issued with clasp where appropriate.
Arctic Star bar.pngArctic Star 3 Sept 1939 – 8 May 1945 
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textDefence Medal16 Aug 19453 Sep 1939 – 2 Sep 1945Issued with KCBC silver oak leaf where appropriate.
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textWar Medal 1939–194516 Aug 19453 Sep 1939 – 2 Sep 1945Issued with MID bronze oak leaf or KCBC silver oak leaf where appropriate.
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textIndia Service Medal6 Jun 19463 Sep 1939 – 2 Sep 1945 
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textCanadian Volunteer Service Medal22 Oct 19433 Sep 1939 – 1 Mar 1947Issued with , , or clasps where appropriate.
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textAfrica Service Medal23 Dec 19436 Sep 1939 – 2 Sep 1945Issued with KCSA (1939–45) bronze protea where appropriate.
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textAustralia Service MedalNov 19493 Sep 1939 – 2 Sep 1945 
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textNew Zealand War Service Medal30 Sep 19483 Sep 1939 – 2 Sep 1945 
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textSouthern Rhodesia Medal for War Service   
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textNewfoundland Volunteer War Service Medal17 Dec 19933 Sep 1939 – 2 Sep 1945 

Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textKorea MedalJul 19511 Jul 1950 – 27 Jul 1953 
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textGeneral Service Medal (1962)06 Oct 196424 Dec 1962 – 31 Jul 2007Always issued with appropriate campaign clasps. Replaced 1918 GSM.
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textSouth Atlantic Medal19822 Apr 1982 – 12 Jul 1982Issued with for service south of 35th Parallel where appropriate.
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textGulf Medal19922 Aug 1990 – 7 Mar 1991Issued with clasp or where appropriate.
21st Century Campaign Medals
See belowOperational Service Medal1 Jan 2000See belowReplaced GSM 1962. Issued with a separate ribbon for each campaign.
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textOSM Sierra Leone20025 May 2000 – 31 Jul 2002Issued with for Op BARRAS or Op MAIDENLY where appropriate.
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textOSM Afghanistan200311 Sep 2001 – presentIssued with clasp where appropriate.
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textOSM Democratic Republic of Congo200514 Jun 2003 – 10 Sep 2003Always issued with Clasp .
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textIraq Medal23 Feb 200420 Jan 2003 – presentIssued with clasp where appropriate.
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textIraq Reconstruction Service Medal26 Jun 200419 Mar 2003 – present 

 

Coronation and Jubilee medals

EmblemDescriptionEstablishedEligibility PeriodRemarks
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textQueen Victoria Golden Jubilee Medal1887 Issued in Gold, Silver or Bronze
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textQueen Victoria Diamond Jubilee Medal1897 Issued in Gold, Silver or Bronze
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textKing Edward VII Coronation Medal190226 Jun 1902 
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textKing George V Coronation Medal191123 Jun 1911Civil/Military award
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textKing George V Coronation Medal191123 Jun 1911Police award
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textKing George V Silver Jubilee Medal19356 May 1935 
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textKing George VI Coronation Medal193712 May 1937 
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textQueen Elizabeth II Coronation Medal19532 Jun 1953 
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textQueen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee Medal19776 Feb 1977 
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textQueen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal20026 Feb 2002 
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textQueen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal20126 Feb 2012 

Efficiency and long service decorations and medals

EmblemDescriptionPost
nom
Estab.Eligibility PeriodRemarks

See belowMeritorious Service Medal   
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent text  Meritorious Service Medal 1845 – presentArmy
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent text  Meritorious Service Medal (Royal Navy)19191928 – present 
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent text  Meritorious Service Medal (Royal Marines)18491947 – present 
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent text  Meritorious Service Medal (Royal Air Force)19181928 – present 

Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textAccumulated Campaign Service Medal19941969 – present 

Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textMedal for Long Service and Good Conduct (Military) 1830 – presentArmy
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textNaval Long Service and Good Conduct Medal 1831 – present 

Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textMedal for Meritorious Service (Royal Navy)MSM 1918–1928 

Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textIndian Long Service and Good Conduct Medal  For Europeans of the Indian Army.

Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textIndian Meritorious Service Medal  For Europeans of the Indian Army.
 Royal Marines Meritorious Service Medal 1849–1947 
 Royal Air Force Meritorious Service Medal 1918–1928 

Royal Air Force Long Service and Good Conduct Medal.PNGRoyal Air Force Long