Medal ribbons

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Looking at many WWI photos, soldiers rarely seem to wear their medal ribbons. I recall (from "The war that the infantry knew) that officers did wear them - Dunn himself taking his off to provide the ribbon to Sassoon.

Was there direction as to when medal ribbons could be worn - for example did those who served in the opening stages of the war wear the 1915 medal or were only ribbons for gallantry awards?

[CROONAERT]

The ribbon for the 1914 star first began to appear on (some) uniforms in late 1917. The BWM ribbon first appeared Dec.1918(ish) and the Victory Medal ribbon in March 1919. The actual issue of the medals was usually some time later and in most early cases (especially so for the Victory Medal) the wearing of the ribbon was pretty much unnofficial.

Dave.

[Ken Lees]

As for gallantry awards, the ribbon was often presented and worn almost as soon as the award was confirmed by the relevant commander. The medals themselves were often presented much later.

Ken

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Many thanks for the prompt response

[HarryBettsMCDCM]

Looking at many WWI photos, soldiers rarely seem to wear their medal ribbons.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Mainly because few,save for Veterans of Indian,China,South African,Natal,& a smattering of Egyptian Campaign 1882~9 veterans,had ribbons to wear,Only those awarded Medals for Gallantry & devotion to duty [& latterly post 1917,who would wear the Ribbon of the 1914 Star] would wear ribbons,The WW1 Campaign Ribbons would not be authorised until the War was all but over.In response to DDs post here is a picture of CQMS Woodbine Haylock,Then of 3rd/1st Cambridgeshire Regiment TF,wearing just the Ribbons of the 1914~15 Star & British War Medal* Only,The Victory Medal,Yet to be authorised

* Won for Service as Private{which appears on ALL his Medals,despite reaching the status of CQMS in the 3/1st Reserve Battalion,after he was invalided back to Blighty due to Illness}in the 1/1st Battalion in France from 14.02.1915.