Victory Medal

The Victory Medal, also known as the Inter-Allied Victory Medal, is a military campaign medal that was awarded to the servicemen and women of the Allied forces who served during World War I. Established in 1919, the Victory Medal was issued by each of the Allied nations, with slight variations in design, to commemorate the victory and acknowledge the service of their armed forces during the war. The medal serves as a symbol of appreciation for the dedication, bravery, and commitment of the individuals who contributed to the defeat of the Central Powers during the Great War.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the Victory Medal, personnel must have been mobilized and served in the armed forces of one of the Allied countries during the First World War, between 5 August 1914 and 11 November 1918. The medal was awarded to both living and deceased individuals, with posthumous awards being made to the family or next of kin of the servicemen and women who died during the war.

Design

While the design of the Victory Medal varies slightly among the different nations, the common feature among them is the image of the winged Victory on the obverse of the medal. The British version of the Victory Medal is a circular bronze medallion, featuring the winged Victory holding a palm branch in her right hand and stretching out her left hand. The reverse of the British Victory Medal bears the inscription "THE GREAT WAR FOR CIVILISATION 1914-1919" surrounded by a laurel wreath.

Ribbon

The ribbon of the Victory Medal features a double rainbow design, with the violet band at the edges and the red band at the center. The double rainbow symbolizes the calm after the storm and the hope for a peaceful future following the end of the war. The ribbon is watered silk, which gives it a moiré effect.

The Victory Medal is a symbol of the dedication, bravery, and commitment of the servicemen and women of the Allied forces who served during World War I. It commemorates the victory over the Central Powers and serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by these individuals in the pursuit of peace and freedom.