History
This is the Military Medal of the reign of King George VI, from 1936 to 1952: the issue of the Second World War, awarded to the other ranks of the Australian divisions for gallantry under fire in North Africa, Greece, Crete, the Pacific and New Guinea. Two inscriptions belong to the reign, reflecting the change in the King's royal style after the independence of India: the first from 1938 including the title Emperor of India, the second from 1949 omitting it.
The medal remained the other ranks' counterpart of the Military Cross, and its reverse, ribbon and criteria are those of the Military Medal described on the main page. As an Imperial award it retains its place in the Australian Order of Wearing.
Design & ribbon
The medal
The medal is the standard circular silver Military Medal bearing the effigy of King George VI on the obverse. Two inscriptions belong to the reign: the earlier including the abbreviation IND IMP for Emperor of India, and the later, from 1949, omitting it. The reverse carries FOR BRAVERY IN THE FIELD within a laurel wreath.
The ribbon
Dark blue with a central group of white and crimson stripes.
The ribbon is dark blue with a central band of three white and two crimson stripes, giving five narrow central stripes on a blue field.
Clasps
Further acts of gallantry meriting the medal are recognised by a bar rather than a second medal.
Bar (further award)
A silver laurelled bar is awarded for a further act of gallantry meriting the medal, worn on the ribbon; when the ribbon alone is worn, a silver rosette denotes each bar.
Eligibility
The George VI issue was awarded on the criteria of the Military Medal: acts of gallantry and devotion to duty under fire by other ranks.
- It was awarded during the reign of King George VI, from 1936 to 1952, and includes the medal's Second World War issue;
- A silver laurelled bar denotes a further award, with a silver rosette worn on the ribbon when the ribbon alone is worn;
- Recipients are entitled to the post-nominal letters MM. As an Imperial 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 makes this the George VI issue?
The effigy of King George VI on the obverse, current through his reign from 1936 to 1952.
Why do the inscriptions differ within the reign?
The King's royal style changed after the independence of India: earlier medals include the abbreviation IND IMP for Emperor of India, later ones from 1949 omit it.
Which era does it belong to?
The Second World War and its aftermath, worn by the other ranks of the Australian divisions across every theatre.
How is it different from the George V and Elizabeth II issues?
Only in the sovereign's effigy; the reverse, ribbon and criteria are common to all Military Medals.
How are further awards shown?
By a silver laurelled bar on the ribbon, with a silver rosette worn when the ribbon alone is displayed.
Does it carry a post-nominal?
Yes, the letters MM.