History
The Service Medal of the Order of St John is one of the oldest medals still worn in Australia. Announced in the St John Ambulance Brigade regulations of 1895, first awarded from 1898 and minted from 1899, it recognises long and efficient service within the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem, above all in St John Ambulance. Its design has barely changed in more than a century, and it remains the only medal in current issue to carry the effigy of Queen Victoria, modelled on a bust by her daughter Princess Louise.
In Australia the medal is awarded for twelve years of efficient service, with each year of qualifying service recorded and certified. Further service brings silver bars at five year intervals, gilt bars for the longest careers, and from 2020 an Ultra Long Service extension at fifty years. The medal is recognised in the Australian Order of Wearing, worn as a long service medal after all other Imperial long service awards.
Design & ribbon
The medal
The medal is circular, 38 millimetres in diameter, in rhodium plated cupro-nickel; it was struck in silver until 1947, and the present composition dates from 1966. The obverse bears the crowned, veiled effigy of Queen Victoria. The classic reverse carries the arms and devices of the Order upon a sprig of St John's Wort within the Latin legend of the Grand Priory; strikes issued from 2020 carry a revised inscription for The Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem with the words FOR SERVICE.
The ribbon
Five equal stripes of black and white, the colours of the Order of St John, on a broader 38 millimetre ribbon.
The ribbon is 38 millimetres wide, broader than most, with five equal stripes of black and white: three black and two white, the traditional colours of the Order of St John.
Clasps
Further service beyond the qualifying twelve years is recognised by bars worn on the ribbon above the medal.
Bar (further 5 years)
A bar is awarded for each further five years of efficient service: silver bars first, replaced by gilt bars for the longest service, with a gilt laurel leaf and, since 2020, an Ultra Long Service extension at fifty years. When the ribbon alone is worn, bars are shown by small Maltese crosses in the appropriate colour.
Eligibility
The medal is awarded within the Most Venerable Order of St John to recognise efficient service, above all in St John Ambulance Australia.
- In Australia the qualifying period is twelve years of efficient service, with qualifying service in each year properly recorded and certified;
- Further service is recognised by bars: silver bars at five year intervals, gilt bars for longer service, and a gilt laurel leaf and Ultra Long Service extension for the longest careers;
- Post-nominals within the Order of St John are not recognised in the Australian honours system.
Order of wear
Under the Australian Order of Wearing, the Service Medal of the Order of St John is worn as a long service medal after all other Imperial long service awards. Post-nominals within the Order of St John are not recognised in Australia. The precise neighbours should be confirmed against the current Australian Order of Wear.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Service Medal of the Order of St John?
The long service medal of the Most Venerable Order of St John, awarded above all for service in St John Ambulance. It was announced in 1895 and has been awarded since 1898.
How much service is needed in Australia?
Twelve years of efficient service, with the qualifying service in each year properly recorded and certified.
How is further service recognised?
By bars to the medal: silver bars at five year intervals, gilt bars for longer service, and a gilt laurel leaf and Ultra Long Service extension for the longest careers. On the ribbon alone, bars are shown by small Maltese crosses.
Why does it show Queen Victoria?
The design has barely changed since the first strikes. The effigy of Queen Victoria, modelled on a bust by her daughter Princess Louise, has remained on the obverse, making it the only medal in current issue to carry it.
Where does it sit in the Australian order of wear?
It is worn as a long service medal after all other Imperial long service awards. Post-nominals within the Order of St John are not recognised in the Australian honours system.
Is it an Australian Government award?
No. It is awarded within the Order of St John rather than by the Governor-General, but it is formally recognised in the Australian Order of Wearing.