Mercantile Marine Medal

 

This medal was awarded by the Board of Trade to personnel who had served at sea for not less than 6 months between 04 August 1914 and 11 November 1918 and had made at least one voyage through a war or danger zone. There were approximately 250,000 struck. Those personnel who received this medal were also awarded the British War Medal.

The ribbon is green and red with a central white stripe, which symbolises the port and starboard navigation lights. The red is worn nearest the left shoulder.

The circular bronze medal, bears a bareheaded effigy of King George V, with the legend "GEORGIVS V BRITT: OMN: REX ET IND: IMP:" on the obverse.

The reverse shows a steamship ploughing through a rough sea, with a submarine sinking and a sailing vessel in the background. The reverse is enclosed in a laurel wreath. At the bottom of the medal is the words "FOR WAR SERVICE MERCANTILE MARINE 1914-1918."

The medal is named around the rim with sans serif font. The use of a forename is usually included, as is a country when issued to Australians.

The medal was also issued to those who served at sea in pilot and or lighthouse vessels, government cable ships and as fisherman.