Context

This First World War medal was authorized for Canadians in the Canadian Gazette on 08 May 1920. There were 624 issued to Canadians and 133,135 awarded in total.

Eligibility and Criteria

The medal was awarded to those who received the British War Medal and also served at sea on at least one voyage through a danger zone. The medal was also awarded to those who had served at sea for not less than six months between 04 August 1914 and 11 November 1918.

Description

A circular, bronze medal, 1.42 inches in diameter. The medals were named in indented block capitals, although some were unnamed. For mounting, there is a plain, straight, non-swiveling suspender with a single-toe claw.

The obverse shows the bareheaded coinage effigy of King George V, facing left, with the legend: GEORGIVS V BRITT : OMN : REX ET IND : IMP :.

The reverse shows a merchant ship ploughing her way through stormy seas, an enemy submarine sinking and a sailing vessel in the background. In exergue, the inscription FOR * WAR * SERVICE / MERCANTILE MARINE / * 1914 - 1918 * appears in three lines. Around the edge of the rim are raised laurel leaves.

The ribbon is 1.25 inches wide and is coloured green, white and red (representing the starboard and port running lights with the masthead steaming light in the centre).