I don't believe that this particular issue has had an airing on this forum yet, so I thought I'd give it a showing, as they're rather pretty and still affordable.
This medal was instituted in 1915 for personnel of the Royal Navy & Royal Marines engaged in minor naval operations in areas not covered by either the India or Africa general service medals or another campaign specific medal.
The first clasp to be issued was Persian Gulf 1909-14, followed by Iraq 1919-20 (scarce), NW Persia 1920 (rare), Palestine 1936-9, SE Asia 1945-8, Minesweeping 1945-51, Palestine 1945-8, Malaya, Yangtze 1949 (rare), Bomb & Mine Clearance 1945-53 (scarce), Cyprus, Near East, Arabian Peninsula, Bomb & Mine Clearance Mediterranean (scarce) and finally Brunei.
It is encountered with the obverses for GV, GVI & EIIR. The medal was superseded in 1964 by the General Service Medal - for all arms of service. It was also issued to Commonwealth naval forces. Naming is in impressed upright capitals, with earlier examples having the recipients' ships included in the details.
By far, the most sought after medals are to those of personnel of the China Station involved in what became known as the 'Yangtze Incident'. Medals to officers & ratings of HMS Amethyst in particular (due to the ship's central role) commanding premium prices at auction. Even the ship's cat got a medal (two actually, as it also received the Dickin Medal for its 'bravery' - curled up asleep whilst under fire).
This medal was instituted in 1915 for personnel of the Royal Navy & Royal Marines engaged in minor naval operations in areas not covered by either the India or Africa general service medals or another campaign specific medal.
The first clasp to be issued was Persian Gulf 1909-14, followed by Iraq 1919-20 (scarce), NW Persia 1920 (rare), Palestine 1936-9, SE Asia 1945-8, Minesweeping 1945-51, Palestine 1945-8, Malaya, Yangtze 1949 (rare), Bomb & Mine Clearance 1945-53 (scarce), Cyprus, Near East, Arabian Peninsula, Bomb & Mine Clearance Mediterranean (scarce) and finally Brunei.
It is encountered with the obverses for GV, GVI & EIIR. The medal was superseded in 1964 by the General Service Medal - for all arms of service. It was also issued to Commonwealth naval forces. Naming is in impressed upright capitals, with earlier examples having the recipients' ships included in the details.
By far, the most sought after medals are to those of personnel of the China Station involved in what became known as the 'Yangtze Incident'. Medals to officers & ratings of HMS Amethyst in particular (due to the ship's central role) commanding premium prices at auction. Even the ship's cat got a medal (two actually, as it also received the Dickin Medal for its 'bravery' - curled up asleep whilst under fire).
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