History
The India General Service Medal of 1908 was approved on 1 January 1909 for the officers and men of the British and Indian armies, and from 1919 also for the Royal Air Force, the first India medal to be worn by airmen. It was awarded for minor military campaigns in India from 1908 to 1935, through the era of the First World War and the frontier risings that followed it.
Each campaign was represented by a clasp, of which twelve were sanctioned, from North West Frontier 1908 to the Waziristan and Mohmand operations of the 1930s. The medal exists with three obverses, one of Edward VII and two of George V. It was struck at both the London and Calcutta mints, and awarded in bronze to followers for the first two clasps before all awards became silver in 1919. 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, and in bronze for followers for the first two clasps. The obverse bears the reigning sovereign facing left, in versions of King Edward VII and King George V. The reverse depicts the fort of Jamrud at the Khyber Pass, with the word INDIA below, within a wreath of oak and olive. The recipient's details are impressed on the rim.
The ribbon
Green with a broad dark blue centre.
The ribbon is 32 millimetres wide, green with a broad dark blue central stripe.
Clasps
Each campaign is represented by a clasp; twelve were sanctioned.
Eligibility
The medal was awarded for minor military campaigns in India from 1908 to 1935.
- Officers and men of the British and Indian armies qualified, and from 1919 also the Royal Air Force; the medal was struck in bronze for followers for the first two clasps, all awards being silver from 1919;
- Twelve clasps were sanctioned, from North West Frontier 1908 through the Waziristan operations to the Mohmand campaigns of the 1930s; the Waziristan 1925 clasp went almost solely to the Royal Air Force;
- 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 1908-1935 awarded for?
Minor military campaigns in India from 1908 to 1935, through the First World War era and the frontier risings that followed.
What does the reverse show?
The fort of Jamrud at the mouth of the Khyber Pass, with the word INDIA below, within a wreath of oak and olive.
Why is it significant for the Royal Air Force?
From 1919 it was awarded to the RAF as well as the armies, the first India medal worn by airmen; the Waziristan 1925 clasp went almost solely to the RAF for Pink's War.
How many clasps were there?
Twelve were sanctioned, from North West Frontier 1908 to the Mohmand operations of the 1930s.
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.