Context

The George Medal (GM) was established on 24 September 1940.

Eligibility and Criteria

The medal was awarded only for acts of great bravery and was intended primarily for civilians. Awards to the military were confined to actions for which purely military honours were not normally granted.

Description

The circular silver medal is 1.42 inches in diameter. For mounting, a single-toed scroll claw at the top of the medal has a hollow ball through which a larger silver ring passes.

The obverse shows a crowned effigy of the reigning monarch and a legend:

King George VI

1. GEORGIVS VID: G: BR: OMN: REX ET INDIAE IMP: (1940-1949)
2. GEORGIVS VI DEI GRA BRITT: OMN REX FID: + (1949-1952)

Queen Elizabeth II

1. ELIZABETH II D: G: BR: OMN: REGINA F: D: (1952-1959)
2. ELIZABETH II DEI GRATIA REGINA F: D: (1959-1964)

The reverse shows St. George on horseback slaying the Dragon with the legend THE GEORGE MEDAL around the top edge of the medal.

The red ribbon is 1.25 inches wide, with five equally spaced thin blue stripes.

Bars

The silver, slip-on bar is laurelled and is awarded for a further act of bravery.

Historical Notes

• Canadians have received 77 GMs (with one cancelled), including four first bars.
• Names are engraved in Roman capital letters. Servicemen normally have their first name and surname in full including rank and regiment or corps, while civilians have only the surname and initials.