THE MILITARY MEDAL

Obverse: An Uncrowned Effigy of the Sovereign.

Reverse: The words "For bravery in the Field", encircled by a wreath surmounted by the Royal Cipher and a Crown.

Size: 37mm in diameter.

Ribbon: 32mm wide, the ribbon has 7mm dark blue edges, and in the centre, three white and two crimson stripes alternating.

Suspension: By an ornate suspender bar.

Although The Military Medal was instituted in 1916 for award to non-commissioned officers and soldiers of the Army for acts of bravery in the field, the first awards dated back to the beginning of the First World War. Provision was made for the award of bars and subsequent Warrants extended the award to women and to warrant officers, as well as to personnel of the other services when operating on the ground. Well over 100 awards of this medal have been made to women for bravery under fire. Details of the recipient are recorded on the rim.

During the dreadful fighting in the First World War no less than 120,000 Military Medals and bars were awarded. During the Second World War the number was 15,491. Many have been awarded since 1945 in the many overseas actions in which the armies of the Commonwealth have been engaged.

During the First World War, a total of 2,066 Military Medals and sixty one first bars were awarded to members of the New Zealand Army. During the Second World War, 590 Medals and four first bars were awarded to members of the New Zealand Army and three to members of the Royal New Zealand Air Force. Members of the New Zealand Army were awarded seven Medals during the Korean War, two during the Malayan confrontation, one during the Borneo confrontation and four during the Vietnam War.

Royal Warrant For This Award: View Warrant (PDF document)

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