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 Sierra Leone version was the first Operational Service Medal awarded, for participation in the British military intervention during and after the Sierra Leone civil war, from 5 May 2000 to 31 July 2002, beginning with Operation Palliser.
No clasp was issued with the medal, though a silver rosette on the ribbon marks service in the dramatic special-forces operations Maidenly and Barras, the latter the rescue of British soldiers held hostage. 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 green 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 green representing the jungle of Sierra Leone.
Clasps
No clasp was issued; a rosette on the ribbon marks certain special operations.
Eligibility
The medal is awarded for operational service in Sierra Leone or the joint operational area between 5 May 2000 and 31 July 2002.
- It was the first Operational Service Medal, awarded for the British intervention in the Sierra Leone civil war, beginning with Operation Palliser;
- No clasp was issued, but a silver rosette on the ribbon marks service in Operations Maidenly and Barras; British forces with United Nations missions in Sierra Leone received the United Nations Medal instead;
- 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 Sierra Leone awarded for?
Operational service in Sierra Leone or the joint operational area between 5 May 2000 and 31 July 2002, during the British intervention in the civil war.
Why is it significant in the series?
It was the first Operational Service Medal awarded, for Operation Palliser and the campaign that followed.
Were clasps issued?
No clasp was issued, but a silver rosette on the ribbon marks service in the special operations Maidenly and Barras.
What about UN service in Sierra Leone?
British forces serving with United Nations missions in Sierra Leone did not receive this medal, but the United Nations Medal for the relevant mission.
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.
Is it named to the recipient?
Yes, impressed on the rim.