Meritorious Service Medal
This medal was first introduced in 1847 for very long service in the army. From 23 November 1916 it was also awarded for acts of bravery. It was a special award for brave actions that happened whilst the soldier was not under gun fire. Only 435 of these awards were made during the First World War. A soldier who was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal was allowed to use the initials MSM after their name.
Ribbon View
The ribbon is crimson with three narrow white stripes. The ribbon was plain crimson up to 1916, then the white edge stripes were added. The white central stripe was added from 1917.
Suspension View
The suspension is decorated to look like an ornate scroll with a single claw linking the medal and the ribbon.
Obverse View
The obverse shows George V in profile wearing a Field Marshall's uniform. The legend (words) around the king are in Latin. They are shortened to fit on the medal and mean 'George V King of Great Britain and Emperor of India'.
Reverse View
The back of the medal is called the reverse. It has a wreath of laurel leaves. Within the wreath is a crown and the words "For Meritorious Service". The laurel wreath was given to victors in Ancient Greece and Rome, and it continues as a symbol of victory today.
Features View
Around the edge of the medal is the naming. This is hand engraved and tells us who the medal was awarded to.
Meritorious Service Medal
This medal was first introduced in 1847 for very long service in the army. From 23 November 1916 it was also awarded for acts of bravery. It was a special award for brave actions that happened whilst the soldier was not under gun fire. Only 435 of these awards were made during the First World War. A soldier who was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal was allowed to use the initials MSM after their name.
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Ribbon
The ribbon is crimson with three narrow white stripes. The ribbon was plain crimson up to 1916, then the white edge stripes were added. The white central stripe was added from 1917.
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Suspension
The suspension is decorated to look like an ornate scroll with a single claw linking the medal and the ribbon.
-
Obverse
The obverse shows George V in profile wearing a Field Marshall's uniform. The legend (words) around the king are in Latin. They are shortened to fit on the medal and mean 'George V King of Great Britain and Emperor of India'.
-
Reverse
The back of the medal is called the reverse. It has a wreath of laurel leaves. Within the wreath is a crown and the words "For Meritorious Service". The laurel wreath was given to victors in Ancient Greece and Rome, and it continues as a symbol of victory today.
-
Features
Around the edge of the medal is the naming. This is hand engraved and tells us who the medal was awarded to.