- Time Period: Pre-WW1
- Institution: 30 July 1830
- Country: United Kingdom
Instituted by King William IV in 1830, the Army Long Service and Good Conduct Medal was awarded for long service and exemplary conduct. It remained in use until 1930, when it was replaced by the Medal for Long Service and Good Conduct.
On 31 May 1895, Queen Victoria authorized Dominion and Colonial governments to adopt various military medals, including the Army Long Service and Good Conduct Medal, for their local military forces. Territories that utilized this authorization included Canada, Cape of Good Hope, India, Natal, New South Wales, New Zealand, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, and, from 1901, the Commonwealth of Australia.
Originally awarded for 21 years (infantry) or 24 years (cavalry) of service, the qualifying period was reduced to 18 years in 1870.
The Army Long Service and Good Conduct Medal Design
Initially featuring a Trophy of Arms and the Royal Coat of Arms, the medal’s obverse changed with each monarch. The reverse consistently displayed “FOR LONG SERVICE AND GOOD CONDUCT”.
Authorized in 1895 for Dominion and Colonial forces, these medals were similar but included specific territory names and unique ribbon colors. Made of silver, 36mm in diameter, the medal’s suspension evolved over time, with the ribbon changing in 1916 to a crimson or reddish-violet with white edges.
More British Long Service and Good Conduct Decorations
The British military has instituted several Long Service and Good Conduct Decorations, each honoring the dedication and exemplary service of its personnel across different branches. Here are some other ones from different time periods:
The Police Long Service and Good Conduct Medal
The Police Long Service and Good Conduct Medal was instituted in 1951 and is awarded for twenty aggregate years of service in the police.
The Medal for Long Service and Good Conduct
The Medal for Long Service and Good Conduct was instituted by King George V in 1930 and initially awarded to Regular Force officers.
The Permanent Forces of the Empire Beyond the Seas Medal
The Permanent Forces of the Empire Beyond the Seas Medal was established in 1910 to supersede the several local versions of the Army one.
The Royal Air Force Long Service and Good Conduct Medal
The Royal Air Force Long Service and Good Conduct Medal was instituted by King George V in 1919 and awarded to officers and airmen.
The Naval Long Service and Good Conduct Medal
This long service medal, established in 1848, is still awarded to regular members of His Majesty’s Naval Service.
Find these medals online:
