Context

This long service medal was instituted in 1894, amended in 1896 and disbanded in 1908.

Eligibility and Criteria

This medal was for 20 years of service for men in the Volunteer force, and in 1896 extended to the Indian and Colonial Forces.

Description

A circular, silver medal, 1.42 inches in diameter.

The obverse features an effigy of the reigning Sovereign with the usual legend. The obverse on the Indian and Colonial medals had ET IMPERATRIX or ET IMPERATOR, added to the legend.

The reverse has laurel branches and intertwined scrolls bearing the words, FOR LONG SERVICE IN THE VOLUNTEER FORCE.

The dark green ribbon is 1.25 inches wide.

Historical Notes

• This medal became obsolete in Great Britain on the disbandment of the volunteers in 1908, but with the effigy of the reigning Sovereign on the obverse, the words on the reverse altered to FOR LONG SERVICE IN THE COLONIAL AUXILIARY FORCES, and the laurel branches surmounted by the Imperial Crown, was still issued in the Colonies.