Gulf Medal

Gulf Medal

Eligibility

The Gulf Medal was awarded to British Armed Forces personnel who served during the Gulf War from 2 August 1990 to 7 March 1991 as part of Operation Granby. Qualifying service depended on role and location, with separate clasps recognising different phases of the conflict.

Design

The medal is circular and made of cupro-nickel. The obverse shows the crowned effigy of Queen Elizabeth II with the inscription “ELIZABETH II DEI GRATIA REGINA FID DEF”. The reverse displays a modern military design: an eagle with wings outstretched above an automatic rifle, bayonet fixed, resting on a scabbard, flanked by three rounds of ammunition. The inscription reads “THE GULF MEDAL” and the dates “1990–91”. Recipient details are engraved on the rim. Replicas are marked with the word “COPY”.

Ribbon

The ribbon has a broad sand-coloured centre representing the desert, with stripes of navy blue (Royal Navy), red (Army), and light blue (Royal Air Force) on each edge.

Clasps

Two clasps were issued:

• 2 Aug 1990 – 16 Jan 1991: For service during the operational build-up.
• 16 Jan – 28 Feb 1991: For direct combat operations during the air and ground offensive.

Symbolism

The Gulf Medal represents service in a multinational effort to restore peace and sovereignty in Kuwait. It honours the professionalism, coordination, and commitment of British forces in the harsh desert environment of the first Gulf War.

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