Guest Janet Posted 21 June , 2003 Share Posted 21 June , 2003 I wondered if anyone would be able to help. I am new to this site so please forgive any gaffs. I have the WW1 war medals of my grandfather. The three service medals and one other. This fourth medal looks like a Military Medal but has a different coloured ribbon to those I have seen pictured. It has George V on one side and on the back has laurel leaves, crown and the words "For Meritorious Service". The ribbon has 5 stripes - 2 wide maroon and 3 thin white/cream (white stripes are each outside edge). My grandfather (according to the words on the edge of the medal) was in the Devonshire Regiment. What would "10/" before "DEVON R" signify? Thank you very much for any help. Janet Wellington, New Zealand Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rflory Posted 21 June , 2003 Share Posted 21 June , 2003 Your medal appears to be the Meritorious Service Medal. If you send me your relative's name I will look him up on the rolls. Dick Flory Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Hill 60 Posted 21 June , 2003 Share Posted 21 June , 2003 What would "10/" before "DEVON R" signify? I'll second rflory and say it is the MSM. The '10' will signify he was in the 10th Battalion of the the regiment. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David_Bluestein Posted 21 June , 2003 Share Posted 21 June , 2003 The Meritorious Service Medal, which was in existence prior to the First World War, was typically awarded by British military authorities as a means of formally recognising long military service or given acts of merit. The MSM (as it was known) was first issued in 1902 and was awarded to warrant officers and senior NCOs. Such servicemen were eligible for the award once they had received their army discharge after a period of at least 21 years. With the vastly increased demand for medals generated by the First World War the MSM was, from 1916, also awarded for acts of gallantry or meritorious conduct when not in the face of the enemy (in which event other medals such as the MM, VC, etc were available). Each 'Immediate MSM' - that is, those medals awarded for given conduct - was published in the London Gazette. The medal itself was made of silver and was 36mm in diameter. The head of the monarch featured on the obverse with a crown and wreath, accompanied by the words For Meritorious Service, on the reverse. The ribbon attached to the medal was crimson with white edges and a central stripe. A Bar was sometimes awarded for further acts of gallantry. Initially the number of medals in circulation was limited to just 40; in 1928 this was increased to 75 and to 100 in 1939. From January 1919 the Royal Navy similarly issued the MSM. (This information comes from: www.firstworldwar.com) Hope that helps David Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Janet Posted 22 June , 2003 Share Posted 22 June , 2003 I have checked the medal to the picture supplied and it is the Meritorious Service Medal. Thank you all for your assistance. Janet Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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