History
The Operational Service Medal was established in 1999 to replace the General Service Medal of 1962 for new operations. A single medal design serves every campaign, each distinguished by its own ribbon, whose common centre of a broad red stripe flanked by navy and light blue represents the three services, with a distinctive outer colour for each theatre. The Congo version was awarded to British personnel who served on Operation Coral, the British contribution to a French-led multinational peacekeeping mission at Bunia in the Ituri province of the Democratic Republic of Congo, during the latter stages of the Second Congo War, between 14 June and 10 September 2003.
It was a brief and specific mission, and the medal was awarded with the DROC clasp to all who qualified. This is a British award. Where held by an Australian, it takes its place in the Australian Order of Wearing among the awards of other governments.
Design & ribbon
The medal
The medal is silver and circular. The obverse bears the crowned effigy of Queen Elizabeth II with the inscription ELIZABETH II DEI GRATIA REGINA FID DEF. The reverse shows the Union Flag within the inscription FOR OPERATIONAL SERVICE, over a four-pointed star for the points of the compass, with four coronets between the points for the Crown and the three services: royal, naval, mural for the Army and astral for the Royal Air Force. The recipient's details are impressed on the rim.
The ribbon
Red, navy and light blue centre with ochre edges.
The ribbon has a broad central red stripe flanked on each side by navy blue and light blue for the three services, with an outer stripe of ochre representing the landscape of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Clasps
The medal was awarded with a single clasp to all recipients.
Eligibility
The medal is awarded for operational service at Bunia in the Ituri province of the Democratic Republic of Congo between 14 June and 10 September 2003.
- It was awarded to British personnel who served on Operation Coral, the British part of a French-led multinational peacekeeping mission;
- The medal was issued with the DROC clasp to all recipients;
- This is a British award. Where held, it takes its place in the Australian Order of Wearing.
Order of wear
Imperial and British awards were the honours of Australia before the Australian honours system was established in 1975. Australians who served the campaigns of these medals generally received the corresponding Australian awards; where a British award is held, it takes its place in the Australian Order of Wearing among the awards of other recognised governments and international organisations, worn after Australian campaign medals in date order.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Operational Service Medal for the Democratic Republic of Congo awarded for?
Operational service at Bunia in the Ituri province between 14 June and 10 September 2003, on Operation Coral, the British part of a French-led peacekeeping mission.
Was a clasp issued?
Yes, the DROC clasp was issued with the medal to all recipients.
How long did the mission last?
About three months, in the summer of 2003, during the latter stages of the Second Congo War.
Would an Australian wear this medal?
It is a British award; where held by an Australian it is worn in the Australian order among other governments' awards.
What does the reverse show?
The Union Flag within FOR OPERATIONAL SERVICE, over a compass star with four coronets for the Crown and the three services, common to all Operational Service Medals.
Is it named to the recipient?
Yes, impressed on the rim.