Date Instituted: 1855.
Description: The obverse of this medal bears the head of the regining monarch while the reverse has the words 'FOR CONSPICUOUS GALLANTRY'. The suspender is of an ornate scroll type.
Metal: Silver.
Size: 36mm.
Bars: Bars were authorised for subsequent awards.
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Naming: Impressed capital letters.
Post-Nominal Letters: CGM.
Comments: Originally introduced as a naval equivalent to the DCM it was awarded to petty officers and seamen of the Royal Navy and non-commissioned ranks of the Royal Marines. The medal was first awarded to recognise gallant acts during the Crimean War but fell into disuse until the Ashantee War of 1874.
The orginal Crimea issues were in fact struck using the dies for the Meritorous Service Medal with the inscription on the reverse erased and replaced by engraving the words 'CONSPICUOUS GALLANTRY'. However in 1874 new dies were produced with raised letters.
In 1943 RAF NCOs and enlisted men became eligible for this award. However the medal was replaced in 1993 by the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross.
Note this award is rare and any examples encountered should be verified. |
