Gulf War Medal

The Gulf War Medal was issued to personnel who completed 30 days continuous service in the Middle East and Cyprus, between 2nd August 1990 and 7th March 1991 or for 7 days between 16th January 1991 and 28th February 1991.

Information on the qualification criteria for this medal was released in Defece Council Instruction General No 185, released in 1991.

Members of the Kuwaiti Liaison Team were also awarded this medal after the 2nd August 1990.

The Operation name for the United Kingdoms involvement in this conflict was Operation GRANBY.

The obverse of the medal shows the crowned head of Queen Elizabeth II and the legend "ELIZABETH ii DEI GRATIA REGINA FID."DEF".

The reverse has the words "THE GULF MEDAL and the dates "1990-1991" around an eagle and an SA80 rifle superimposed onto an anchor. This symbol signifies a joint operation.

There were 2 clasps issued with this medal "2 AUG 1990", for those members of the Kuwaiti Liaison Team and "16 JAN TO 28 FEB 1991" for those who took part in the liberation of Kuwait. Those personnel who qualified for a clasp are entitled to wear a rosette on the ribbon when only ribbons are worn.

The ribbon is 1.25" wide with a central yellow stripe to represent the desert and 3 thin stripes of Navy blue, red and light blue to represent the three armed services.