Date Instituted: 1866.
Description: Oval medal topped by a crown while the centre bears the intertwined letters 'A' and 'V' surrounded by the inscription 'FOR GALLANTRY FOR LIFE SAVING AT SEA' or 'FOR GALLANTRY FOR LIFE SAVING ON LAND' as appropriate for the award. The ribbon is attached by a ring on top of the crown.
Metal: Gold and bronze.
Size: 57mm high and 30mm wide.
Bars: None authorised for this medal.
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Naming: Issued un-named.
Post-Nominal Letters: None.
Comments: Named after the the Prince Consort (who had died in 1861) this medal was awarded for gallantry in life saving at sea. In 1867 a second bronze class was introduced and in 1877 it was also awarded for gallantry in life saving on land.
In 1917 the first class became known as the Albert Medal in Gold while the second class remained as the Albert Medal. In 1949 the Albert Medal in Gold was replaced by the George Cross and the bronze medal was discontinued in 1971.
Holders of this medal were invited to exchange their medals for the George Cross. Some 49 of 64 did so. |
