The Meritorious Service Medal

The Meritorious Service Medal (MSM) was instituted on 19 December 1845 and was originally awarded to warrant officers and sergeants of the British Army and Royal Marines in recognition of long and meritorious service. This eligibility continued following the outbreak of World War One, however, in 1916 it was decided to extend the award to all non-comissioned […]

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The Distinguished Service Order

The Distinguished Service Order (DSO) was instituted by Queen Victoria on 6 September 1886 and was awarded to commissioned officers of the British Army, usually to those above the rank of major, who had rendered meritorious or distinguished service during war and had been Mentioned in Despatches. Almost 9,000 were issued during World War One, with all awards […]

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British Gallantry Awards of the First World War

In addition to the various campaign medals that were instituted for issue to members of the British Armed Forces for operational service during the First World War, there were also a number of decorations that could be awarded for acts of conspicuous gallantry and/or distinguished and meritorious service. These medals were normally awarded to recognise […]

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