Medals from
Great Britain / United Kingdom
British Military Medals & Awards from WW1, WW2 and More
British military medals are iconic symbols of valor, sacrifice, and service. These prestigious decorations have been awarded to military personnel and civilians for acts of bravery, exceptional service, and campaign contributions. On this page, you will find all military and campaign medals, orders of knighthood, awards, and decorations of the United Kingdom given by the British Armed Forces in recognition of service and personal accomplishments of individuals while a member of the Royal Navy, British Army, or Royal Air Force.
These awards are a means to outwardly display the highlights of a serviceperson’s career. More: British Medals Order of Wear, How to Apply and Request Records – Great Britain’s Orders of Knighthood – All the British WW2 Campaign Medals and Where to Find Them
Popular British Medals Orders & Decorations
The highest military decorations in the UK are awarded for extraordinary acts of bravery and valor in the face of the enemy. There are also prestigious awards that recognize acts of great heroism or conspicuous courage in extreme danger. Explore the most renowned and esteemed medals, orders, and decorations bestowed by the United Kingdom.
The Distinguished Flying Cross and Medal (UK)
The Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) was established in June 1918 for officers and warrant officers of the RAF for acts of valor and courage.
The Most Noble Order of the Garter
The Order of the Garter is an order of chivalry founded by Edward III in 1348 and regarded as the most prestigious British order of chivalry.
The 1939-1945 Star
The 1939–1945 Star is a military campaign medal instituted by the United Kingdom on 8 July 1943 for operational service overseas.
The Victoria Cross
The Victoria Cross (VC) is the highest United Kingdom honors system award. It is given for gallantry in the presence of the enemy.
The Inter Allied Victory Medal (Great Britain)
The Victory Medal (also known as Inter-Allied Victory Medal) is a United Kingdom and British Empire First World War campaign medal.
All British Medals
from Before WW1 (Up to 1914)
Before World War I, the United Kingdom awarded a variety of medals to recognize military service, valor. Many of these initial medals were, for instance, awarded for long service and good conduct. Explore the prestigious medals awarded during the Victorian and Edwardian eras, showcasing gallantry, service, and campaigns before the outbreak of World War I.
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 WW1 Royal Tank Corps Cap Badge
The Royal Tank Corps Cap Badge is a First World War brass King’s crown cap badge for members of the Tank Corps.
The Military Medal (MM)
The Military Medal (or MM) was a military decoration established in 1916 and awarded for bravery in battle to personnel of the British Army.
The Canadian Memorial Cross
The Canadian Memorial Cross was first instituted in 1919 and awarded to mothers and widows of Canadian soldiers who died on active duty.
The Memorial Plaque Medallion
The Memorial Plaque was issued after WW1 to the next-of-kin of all British and Empire service personnel who were killed during the war.
The Allied Subjects’ Medal
The Allied Subjects’ Medal is a decoration awarded to citizens of allied countries who gave assistance to British and Commonwealth soldiers.
All Britishs Medals from The Great War (WW1) Period
Learn about iconic medals like the Victoria Cross and the British War Medal, honoring the sacrifices and valor of British and Commonwealth forces during World War I. The Victoria Cross is the highest military decoration awarded for valor “in the face of the enemy” to members of the armed forces of various Commonwealth countries, and previous British Empire territories. The British War Medal was instituted in 1919 to recognize the service of those who participated in World War I.
The Victoria Cross
The Victoria Cross (VC) is the highest United Kingdom honors system award. It is given for gallantry in the presence of the enemy.
The India General Service Medal (1909)
The Indian General Service Medal is a British campaign medal issued to officers and men of the British and Indian armies and approved in 1909.
The Tibet Medal
The Tibet Medal is a British military medal awarded to members of the Tibet Mission and accompanying troops who served at or beyond Siliguri.
The Transport Medal
The Transport Medal was a campaign medal awarded by the Lord Commissioners of the Admiralty to masters and officers of merchant ships.
The Seringapatam Medal
The Seringapatam medal (Sri Ranga Pattana) is a British military medal commissioned by the East India Company in 1801 and given to soldiers.
The Waterloo Medal
The Waterloo Medal is a British military medal established in 1816-17 and struck for all those who participated in the Waterloo campaign.
Find British Medals Online
Featured Articles about Great Britain
Delve into a series articles offering in-depth insights into various aspects of the United Kingdom – from historical events and influential figures to cultural phenomena and significant milestones.
All United States Kingdom Medals from The Interwar Period (1918-1939)
During the interwar period, the United Kingdom played a significant role in shaping international diplomacy and addressing the challenges of the post-World War I world. Delve into the medals awarded for peacetime service, humanitarian efforts, and campaigns during the interwar years, bridging the gap between two world wars.
The Naval General Service Medal (1915)
The Naval General Service Medal is a British military medal instituted in 1915 to recognize service by the Royal Navy and Royal Marines.
The General Service Medal (1918)
The General Service Medal recognizes service in minor Army and Royal Air Force operations for which no separate medal was possible.
The India General Service Medal (1936)
The Indian General Service Medal is a British campaign medal issued to officers and men of the British and Indian armies.
The George Cross (Great Britain)
The George Cross is the second highest award of the UK honors system and it’s awarded for acts of the greatest heroism or courage.
The Voluntary Medical Service Medal
The Voluntary Medical Service Medal is a medal instituted in 1932 by George V and awarded by the British Red Cross and St Andrew’s First Aid.
The Empire Gallantry Medal
The Empire Gallantry Medal (or EGM), was a British medal awarded for acts of the gallantry introduced it on 29 December 1922.
All United Kingdom Medals from the WW2 Period (1939-1945)
Explore the medals earned during World War II, including the George Cross and the 1939-45 Star, recognizing the courage and contributions of individuals during this global conflict. The George Cross, instituted in 1940 by King George VI, is the highest civilian award for bravery and is also awarded to military personnel for acts of heroism not in the presence of the enemy. The 1939-45 Star is a campaign medal awarded to British and Commonwealth forces who served during World War II between 1939 and 1945.
The Royal Tank Regiment Cap Badge
The Royal Tank Regiment Cap Badge is a WW2 badge given to members of the Royal Tank Regiment (previously known as Tank Corps).
The Newfoundland Volunteer War Service Medal
The Newfoundland Volunteer War Service Medal was created to honor those from Newfoundland & Labrador who served in British Forces.
The Southern Rhodesia Service Medal
The Southern Rhodesia Service Medal 1939-1945 is a campaign medal awarded to members of the Southern Rhodesia Defence Forces for home service.
The South African Medal for War Services
The South African Medal for War Services is a service medal for voluntary unpaid service in support of the war effort during WW2.
The New Zealand Memorial Cross
The New Zealand Memorial Cross is awarded to the next of kin of New Zealand service personnel killed on active service or who died of wounds.
The King’s Badge
The King’s Badge is a lapel badge issued to servicemen who, as a result of their injuries, had been discharged from active service.
Further Reading About Great Britain, WW1 and WW2
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The Miracle of Dunkirk: The True Story of Operation Dynamo
$5.95 Get it from Amazon -
D-Day Girls: The Spies Who Armed the Resistance, Sabotaged the Nazis, and Helped Win World War II
$11.86 Get it from Amazon -
Feeding the Nation in World War II: Rationing, Digging for Victory and Unusual Food
$24.95 Get it from Amazon -
Bletchley Park’s Secret Source: Churchill’s Wrens and the Y Service in World War II
$27.36 Get it from Amazon -
A World Undone: The Story of the Great War, 1914 to 1918
$13.99 Get it from Amazon
All United Kingdom Medals from
The Post-WW2 Period (1945 onwards)
In the post-World War II era, the United Kingdom continued to honor the service and contributions of military and civilian personnel through a variety of medals. Examine medals awarded for service in the post-WWII era, highlighting peacekeeping missions, Cold War service, and recognition of military and civilian contributions to the nation’s well-being.
The Royal Tank Regiment Cap Badge
The Royal Tank Regiment Cap Badge is a WW2 badge given to members of the Royal Tank Regiment (previously known as Tank Corps).
The Newfoundland Volunteer War Service Medal
The Newfoundland Volunteer War Service Medal was created to honor those from Newfoundland & Labrador who served in British Forces.
The Southern Rhodesia Service Medal
The Southern Rhodesia Service Medal 1939-1945 is a campaign medal awarded to members of the Southern Rhodesia Defence Forces for home service.
The South African Medal for War Services
The South African Medal for War Services is a service medal for voluntary unpaid service in support of the war effort during WW2.
The New Zealand Memorial Cross
The New Zealand Memorial Cross is awarded to the next of kin of New Zealand service personnel killed on active service or who died of wounds.
The King’s Badge
The King’s Badge is a lapel badge issued to servicemen who, as a result of their injuries, had been discharged from active service.