King's Gallantry Medal
| Queen's Gallantry Medal | |
|---|---|
File:Queen's Gallantry Medal (UK) Reverse.png Reverse of medal and ribbon | |
| Type | Civil decoration. |
| Description | Silver disk, 36mm diameter. |
| Eligibility | British and Commonwealth subjects. |
| Status | Currently awarded. |
| Established | 20 June1974 |
| Precedence | |
| Next (higher) | George Medal |
| Equivalent | Sea Gallantry Medal; this is disputable |
| Next (lower) | Queen's Commendation for Brave Conduct, Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service in the Air |
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The Queen's Gallantry Medal (QGM) is the third level civil decoration of the United Kingdom and Commonwealth.[1]
It was instituted on the 20 June1974 to replace the British Empire Medal with oakleaves.
The medal is awarded for "exemplary acts of bravery", and is primarily a civilian medal, although military personnel can receive it for acts not in the face of the enemy, below the standard required to receive The George Medal. For example, it has been awarded to the Police and Fire and Rescue services. Recipients may then use the post nominal letters QGM. Fewer than 600 have been awarded.
Description
- The QGM is silver and circular in shape, 36 mm in diameter. The obverse of the medal shows the crowned effigy of the monarch.
- The reverse bears the image of an imperial crown above the words 'The Queen's Gallantry Medal' in four lines, flanked by laurel sprigs.
- The ribbon is of three equal stripes of dark blue, pearl grey and dark blue with a narrow rose pink stripe in the centre.
- Further awards of the QGM are indicated by a silver bar ornated with laurel leaves. When the ribbon alone is worn, a silver rosette denotes award of the Clasp.
Notes
- ^ Although certain Commonwealth Realms have now instituted their own indigenous honours systems, replacing the QGM and other Commonwealth awards so far as their citizens are concerned.
Bibilography
- Abbott, PE and Tamplin, JMA - British Gallantry Awards, (1981), Nimrod Dix and Co.
- Duckers, P - British Gallantry Awards 1855-2000, (2001), Shire Publications
- Mackay, J and Mussell, J (eds) - Medal Yearbook - 2005, (2004), Token Publishing.