The Mercantile Marine War Medal was instituted in 1919 by the Board of Trade and awarded to members of the British Mercantile Marine (Merchant Navy) who undertook one or more voyages through a war or danger zone during the First World War—or served at sea for at least six months between 4 August 1914 and 11 November 1918. Mariners participating in coastal trades such as pilotage, fishing, lighthouse keeping, and cable ship operations were also eligible. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Awarded to merchant seamen who either served at sea for at least six months during the war or made one or more voyages through designated danger zones. There was no minimum service requirement for those killed, wounded, or taken prisoner. All recipients also received the British War Medal. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
The circular bronze medal (approx. 36 mm in diameter) bears on the obverse the bareheaded effigy of King George V with the inscription GEORGIVS V BRITT : OMN : REX ET IND : IMP :. The reverse depicts a merchant steamship bravely cutting through turbulent seas, with a sinking submarine to one side and a sailing ship in the distance, all encircled by a laurel wreath and the inscription FOR WAR SERVICE — MERCANTILE MARINE 1914-1918. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
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