THE GEORGE MEDAL

Obverse: A Crowned Effigy of the Sovereign.

Reverse: A representation of St. George slaying the Dragon on the coast of England, the design circumscribed by the words "The George Medal".

Size: 37mm in diameter.

Ribbon: 32mm wide, the ribbon is red with five evenly spaced 1.5mm dark blue stripes.

Suspension: The ribbon passes through a ring, which in turn passes through a loop fixed to the top of the piece.

Instituted in 1940, The George Medal is awarded to civilians for acts of great bravery, or to members of the armed forces for outstanding courage while not in direct action with the enemy. Bars may be awarded for subsequent acts and to date twenty five such bars have been awarded. Lieutenant H.R. Syme, R.A.N.V.R., was awarded a bar to his George Medal and was also awarded The George Cross. Four other recipients of The George Cross also hold The George Medal. Details of the recipient are recorded on the rim and the year of the award of a bar is recorded on the reverse.

To 1991, nineteen awards had been made to New Zealanders. All the military awards were made during the Second World War, one to a member of the New Zealand Army and seven to members of the Royal New Zealand Air Force. Two awards were made to civilians during the Second World War, and since then two have been awarded to members of the New Zealand Police Force and seven to civilians.

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

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