Meritorious Service Medal
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Eligibility
This medal was awarded for valuable and commendable service from 1916.
Duly recommended for the grant in respect of gallant conduct in the performance of military duty otherwise than in action against the enemy, or in saving, or attempting to save the life of an officer or soldier, or for devotion to duty in a theatre of war.
The gallantry portion was cancelled on 7 Sep 1928 because the British Empire Medal now served this purpose. The King's Regulations and Orders’ of 1939 listed the MSM and stated that it could be awarded to a soldier of the active militia who is recommended on account of gallant conduct in the performance of military duty (not necessarily on active service) or in saving or attempting to save the life of an officer or soldier, or for devotion to duty in a theatre of war.
Description
A circular, silver medal, 1.42 inches in diameter. For mounting, an ornate scroll suspender is attached to the medal with a single-toe claw.
On the Obverse - an effigyof the Monarch.
On the Reverse - inscription FOR / MERITORIOUS / SERVICE in three lines, encircled by two laurel leaves, tied at the bottom with a bow and separated at the top by an Imperial Crown
The crimson ribbon is 1.25 inches wide. Because the ribbon was the same as that for the Victoria Cross (VC), white edge stripes were added in 1916; and in 1917 a narrow white central stripe was added.
Awarded to:
Notes
Content for the history and honours sections has come from a combination of Wikipedia and the Australian War Memorial websites.