The Military Medal GV (WW1) is a silver circular medal featuring the effigy of King George V and a laurel wreath symbolising victory and honour. Its ribbon showcases vertical stripes of dark blue, white, and red. Read more..
The Military Medal (MM) was a British and Commonwealth decoration awarded to non-commissioned officers and other ranks of the Army for acts of bravery, devotion to duty, or other meritorious service during combat. Established on March 25, 1916, by King George V during World War I, the Military Medal served as a recognition of exceptional valor in the face of the enemy.
Design
The medal is made of silver and features a circular design. The obverse displays the effigy of the reigning monarch at the time of issue, in this case, King George V, surrounded by the inscription "GEORGIVS V BRITT: OMN: REX ET IND: IMP:" (George V, King of all the British territories, Emperor of India). The reverse showcases the Royal cypher and inscription "FOR BRAVERY IN THE FIELD" encircled by a laurel wreath, symbolizing victory and honor.
Ribbon
The ribbon of the Military Medal features a symmetrical pattern of vertical stripes of dark blue, white, and red.
Bars
In cases where the recipient performed additional acts of bravery, a silver, laurelled bar could be added to the ribbon. Each subsequent bar represented another act of gallantry.
The Military Medal, instituted by King George V, recognized the courage and commitment of non-commissioned officers and other ranks in the British and Commonwealth Armies during times of war. The decoration served as an acknowledgment of their exceptional bravery and devotion to duty, ensuring their heroic acts would not be forgotten.
