THE DISTINGUISHED CONDUCT MEDAL

Obverse: An Uncrowned Effigy of the Sovereign.

Reverse: Plain except for the legend "FOR DISTINGUISHED CONDUCT IN THE FIELD" inscribed on four lines.

Size: 37mm in diameter.

Ribbon: 34mm wide, the ribbon has three equal stripes of red, dark blue and red.

Suspension: By an ornate suspender bar.

Instituted in 1854, The Distinguished Conduct Medal is the oldest British gallantry award for soldiers and non-commissioned officers of the Army for acts of gallantry. It may also be awarded to members of the Royal Marines, Navy and Air Force when the act of gallantry is performed on land.

Bars may be awarded for subsequent acts and bars have been awarded since 1881 when bars were first authorised. During the First World War 24,571 Distinguished Conduct Medals, 469 first bars and ten second bars were awarded. However, in common with many gallantry awards, the number awarded in the Second World War was much smaller, being 1,879 Medals and nineteen first bars.

The first award to New Zealand troops was made during the Boer War when thirteen Medals were awarded. New Zealanders were awarded 394 Medals and four first bars during the First World War, 108 Medals and one first bar during the Second World War, one Medal during the Korean War and four Medals during the Vietnam War. In all cases the awards were made to members of the New Zealand Army.

Details of the recipient are recorded on the rim.

Royal Warrant For This Award: View Warrant (PDF document)

Click on thumbnail
for larger image