History
The India General Service Medal was approved on 1 March 1854, at the suggestion of Lord Dalhousie, to reward the many minor military campaigns of India and its neighbouring countries with a single medal rather than a separate one for each, and so limit the number of individual medals struck. It was the first of a series of four India general service medals that would run, in all, for some eighty years.
It was awarded for campaigns between 1852 and 1895, the great majority undertaken by Indian Army units in the difficult country of the frontiers and the hills. Each action was represented by a clasp, and the medal was never issued without one; twenty-four clasps were sanctioned in all. In 1895 it was replaced by the India Medal. As an Imperial-era award it retains its place in the Australian Order of Wearing.
Design & ribbon
The medal
The medal is silver, 36 millimetres in diameter, struck at the Royal Mint, and from the Burma 1885 to 1887 clasp also in bronze for authorised followers such as bearers, sweepers and drivers. The obverse bears the left-facing effigy of Queen Victoria wearing a diadem, with the inscription VICTORIA REGINA. The reverse depicts a winged Victory crowning a seated warrior with a laurel wreath, with lotus flowers and leaves in the exergue. The recipient's details are engraved or impressed on the rim.
The ribbon
Three red and two dark blue stripes.
The ribbon is 32 millimetres wide, divided into five equal stripes, three red and two dark blue.
Clasps
Each campaign is represented by a clasp; the medal was never issued without one.
Eligibility
The medal was awarded for minor military campaigns in India and nearby countries between 1852 and 1895.
- Officers and men of the British and Indian armies qualified, with Indian Army units making up the majority of forces in nearly all campaigns;
- Twenty-four clasps were sanctioned, naming actions from Pegu and Persia to the Burma and North-West Frontier expeditions; the medal was never issued without a clasp, and up to seven could be earned by one man;
- As an Imperial-era award it retains its place in the Australian Order of Wearing.
Order of wear
Imperial awards were the honours of Australia before the Australian honours system was established in 1975, and they retain their place in the Order of Wearing. They are worn after the Australian honours of their kind and among the Imperial awards in the order set by the Australian Order of Wearing, which follows the British order of precedence.
Frequently asked questions
What is the India General Service Medal 1854-1895 awarded for?
The many minor military campaigns of India and neighbouring countries between 1852 and 1895, brought under a single medal to limit the number of separate campaign medals.
Why was it created?
Lord Dalhousie suggested in 1852 a general service medal for smaller Indian campaigns, so that each did not require its own medal; it was approved in 1854.
What does the reverse show?
A winged Victory crowning a seated warrior with a laurel wreath, with lotus flowers and leaves in the exergue.
How do the clasps work?
Each campaign is represented by a clasp, and the medal was never issued without one; twenty-four were sanctioned, with up to seven earned by a single man.
Did Australians receive it?
It was awarded overwhelmingly to British and Indian forces; its presence on an Australian rack would reflect particular individual service.
Is it named to the recipient?
Yes, engraved or impressed on the rim with rank, name and unit.