History
The Territorial Efficiency Medal was a United Kingdom award for long and efficient service by the other ranks of the Territorial Army. It superseded the Territorial Force Efficiency Medal in 1921, when the wartime Territorial Force was reconstituted as the Territorial Army, and was itself superseded by the Efficiency Medal in 1930, giving it a short life of under a decade. The equivalent award for commissioned officers was the Territorial Decoration.
The medal was awarded for at least twelve years of service and attendance at twelve annual training camps, with previous part-time service reckonable and war service counted double. Clasps could be earned for further twelve-year periods. Its oval silver form and dark green ribbon edged in yellow mark it as part of the long line of British auxiliary-forces awards. As an Imperial award it retains its place in the Australian Order of Wearing.
Design & ribbon
The medal
The medal is oval silver, 38 by 31 millimetres, its obverse bearing the effigy of King George V in Field Marshal's uniform facing left. The reverse carries the inscription TERRITORIAL EFFICIENCY MEDAL on three lines within a raised rim. The recipient's service number, rank, name and unit are impressed on the edge, and it is suspended from a ring.
The ribbon
Dark green with yellow edges.
The ribbon is plain dark green with yellow edges.
Clasps
A further period of efficient service is recognised by a clasp on the ribbon.
Twelve Year Clasp
A clasp is awarded for a further twelve-year period of efficient service beyond the first award.
Eligibility
The medal was awarded for long and efficient service by other ranks of the Territorial Army.
- At least twelve years of service and attendance at twelve annual training camps were required, with previous part-time service reckonable and war service counted double;
- A clasp is awarded for a further twelve-year period; a recipient could wear the medal together with the officers' Territorial Decoration where both were earned;
- As an Imperial award it retains its place in the Australian Order of Wearing.
Order of wear
Long service and efficiency awards recognise years of service in the regular or auxiliary forces rather than a campaign. In the Australian Order of Wearing they are worn after coronation and jubilee medals and among the long service awards by their own order of precedence.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Territorial Efficiency Medal awarded for?
Long and efficient service by other ranks of the Territorial Army: at least twelve years of service and attendance at twelve annual training camps.
Why was it awarded for such a short period?
It superseded the Territorial Force Efficiency Medal in 1921 and was itself superseded by the Efficiency Medal in 1930, giving it a life of under a decade.
What was the officers' equivalent?
The Territorial Decoration, which a recipient could wear together with this medal where both were earned.
How does war service count?
War service was reckoned double toward the qualifying period, and previous part-time service could also count.
Is it named to the recipient?
Yes, impressed on the edge with the recipient's service number, rank, name and unit.
Does it carry a post-nominal?
No; efficiency medals for other ranks carry no post-nominal.