Established in 1854 by Queen Victoria, the Distinguished Conduct Medal is the oldest British gallantry award. For any rank below commissioned officer, it ranked second highest for gallantry awards, just under the Victoria Cross. For other ranks, it was the equivalent of the DSO (which was only awarded to commissioned officers). In 1993, it was discontinued, being replaced by the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross (when gallantry awards distinguished by rank were reviewed and modified).

 

Instituted during the Crimean War in Dec 1854 as an award to WOs, NCOs and men of the British Army for distinguished, gallant and good conduct in the field. Before this, there was no official medal recognizing individual acts of gallantry. Along with the DCM, the awardee was granted a gratuity that was given at discharge from the Army.

 

During The Great War a high number of DCMs were awarded, raising concerns about the medal's meaning and prestige. The Military Medal was instituted as a lower award, with the DCM reserved for exceptional gallantry and acts of bravery. 

 

The DCM was an Army-only award until 1942, with a single exception - Beginning in Sept 1916 and continuing for the war's duration, it could be awarded to members of the Royal Naval Division. After the change in 1942, other ranks of the RAF, RN and the Air and Naval Forces of Dominions and British Colonies were also eligible for award of the DCM for distinguished conduct in action on the ground. In 1979, eligibility was extended to posthumous awards. 

 

DESCRIPTION

The medal was struck in silver and is a 36 mm (1.4 inches) disk. The suspender of all versions is of an ornamented scroll pattern, although the attachment of the suspender to the medal varied between versions (early versions were suspended in a manner that allowed the planchet to swivel). The ribbon is crimson with a navy blue center band.

All medals awarded had the recipient's number, rank, name and unit engraved on the rim.

 

OBVERSE

• Pre-1902 version - A Trophy of Arms incorporating a central shield bearing the Royal Coat of Arms, no inscription. 

 

From 1902 and after, the effigy of the reigning monarch replaced the trophy of arms, with the respective titles of the monarch around the perimeter. 

 

• King Edward VII – "EDWARDVS VII REX IMPERATOR".
• King George V, bareheaded – "GEORGIVS V BRITT: OMN: REX ET IND: IMP:".
• King George V, crowned – "GEORGIVS•V•D•G•BRITT•OMN•REX•ET•INDIÆ•IMP•". Issued for awards in the 1930s.
• King George VI – "GEORGIVS VI D:G:BR OMN REX ET INDIAE IMP:" awarded during the Second World War and immediately after.
• King George VI - "GEORGIVS VI DEI GRA: BRITT: OMN: REX FID: DEF:" awarded from the late 1940s. (This second type was awarded, instead of the Elizabeth II version, to Canadians during the Korean War.)
• Queen Elizabeth II – "ELIZABETH II D:G:BR:OMN: REGINA F:D:" awarded in the mid-1950s
• Queen Elizabeth II - "ELIZABETH II DEI GRATIA REGINA F.D" awarded thereafter until 1993.

 

REVERSE

Same for all versions, very simply designed featuring "FOR DISTINGUISHED CONDUCT IN THE FIELD" underlined by two spears and a laurel wreath.

 

 

BAR

Introduced in 1881, a bar could be awarded to signify each subsequent award. Bars are straight and also struck in silver. Bars awarded between 1881 into 1916 bear the month and year of the subsequent award. Those awarded after mid-1916 bear no date but feature a laurel spray. When only ribbons are worn, a silver rosette for each bar is worn on the ribbon.

 

 

Queen Victoria Version:

 

Edward VII Version:

 

King George V, Version 1:

 

King George V (crowned), Version 2:

 

King George VI, Version 1:

 

King George VI, Version 2:

 

Queen Elizabeth II, Version 1 (this picture is of a reproduction):

 

 

Queen Elizabeth II, Version 2:

 

 

If you have one of these medals to show, a picture of a soldier wearing it, or a story about this medal being awarded/earned . . . please feel free to share it here!

 

 

 

Here is a WWI-era one (courtesy of Daniel Griffin) and this shows the entire drape: