In this article we explore the order of wear of British medals and awards, how to apply for them and how to request records of deceased personnel. To see a list of all Great Britain military medals, badges and awards please go to this page.
Order of wear of British Medals and Awards
All services use a common order of wear for medals and awards. You should only wear official decorations, medals or emblems which you are entitled to and have been approved for acceptance and wear. Unofficial medals should not be worn with official orders, decorations and medals. These are the general rules:
- The Victoria Cross and the George Cross
- United Kingdom Decorations
- Order of St John (all classes)
- United Kingdom Medals for Gallantry and for Distinguished Service
- United Kingdom Operational Service Medals (worn in order of date of award)
- United Kingdom Polar Medals, Police Medals for Valuable Service, Jubilee, Coronation and Durbar Medals.
- Long Service and Efficiency Awards
- Commonwealth Orders, Decorations and Medals instituted by the Sovereign and instituted since 1949 otherwise than by the Sovereign (worn in order of date of award).
- Foreign Orders, Decorations and Medals (if approved for wear, worn in order of date of award).
Applying for Medals in the United Kingdom
You can apply for a medal if you served in the armed forces and are eligible, if you were awarded a medal for service in any of the following:
- the army
- the Royal Navy
- the Royal Marines
- the Royal Air Force (RAF)
- the Home Guard
- the reserve forces
You must meet the eligibility requirements for the medal you’re applying for. You can also apply on behalf of a veteran if you have lasting power of attorney.
Download and fill in the medal application form.
How to Request Records of Deceased Service Personnel
The MOD is the custodian of the records of service personnel and Home Guard records until they are opened to general public access at the National Archives.
Subject to the payment of an administration fee and provision of a copy of a death certificate (except where death was in service), certain information can be provided from the records of service of service personnel on request under the publication scheme.
More Information: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/request-records-of-deceased-service-personnel
