History
The India General Service Medal of 1936 was approved on 3 August 1938, the fifth and last of the India general service medals, for the officers and men of the British and Indian armies and the Royal Air Force. It was awarded for the minor military campaigns on the North-West Frontier between 1936 and 1939, chiefly the long operations in Waziristan against the followers of the Fakir of Ipi, the religious and political leader who fought the British into the 1940s.
Two clasps were sanctioned, both for the North-West Frontier, and the medal was never awarded without one. With the outbreak of the Second World War and Indian independence in 1947, the series came to an end and no further India medals were issued. 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 London and Calcutta mints. The obverse bears the crowned effigy of King George VI facing left, with the inscription GEORGIVS VI D G BR OMN REX ET INDIAE IMP. The reverse depicts a tiger standing astride a mountain range, with the word INDIA above. The recipient's details are impressed on the rim in capitals, and recipients mentioned in despatches wore an oak leaf on the ribbon.
The ribbon
Stone-grey centre with red stripes and green edges.
The ribbon is 32 millimetres wide, with a broad stone-grey centre, a narrow red stripe on each side and a green stripe at each edge.
Clasps
Two clasps were sanctioned; the medal was never awarded without one.
Eligibility
The medal was awarded for minor military campaigns on the North-West Frontier of India between 1936 and 1939.
- Officers and men of the British and Indian armies and the Royal Air Force qualified, largely for the Waziristan operations against the Fakir of Ipi;
- Two clasps were sanctioned, North West Frontier 1936-37 and North West Frontier 1937-39, and the medal was never awarded without a clasp; a mention in despatches was marked by an oak leaf;
- 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 1936-1939 awarded for?
Minor military campaigns on the North-West Frontier of India between 1936 and 1939, chiefly the Waziristan operations against the followers of the Fakir of Ipi.
Why is it the last India medal?
With the outbreak of the Second World War and Indian independence in 1947, the series of India general service medals came to an end; this was the fifth and final one.
What does the reverse show?
A tiger standing astride a mountain range, with the word INDIA above, symbolising the rugged frontier country.
How many clasps were there?
Two, North West Frontier 1936-37 and North West Frontier 1937-39; the medal was never awarded without a clasp.
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, impressed on the rim in capitals.