The British North Borneo Company’s Medal 1888-1916

• Time Period: Pre-WW1
• Year of Institution: 1897
• Country: Great Britain

The British North Borneo Company’s Medal 1888-1916 is a British campaign medal established in 1897 and awarded for service in the 15 minor expeditions between 1883 and 1915, excluding the major action at Tambunan.

The manufacturers, Spink, supplied 12 silver medals in 1898-89 for award to officers, only three of which were named. In 1906 a further 74 silver medals were issued to be exchanged for the bronze ones initially awarded to other ranks. A further 11 silver medals were supplied unnamed later on. A total of 75 bronze medals were supplied, of which 25 were stamped with a name and sometimes rank and number.

The medal was awarded with the following clasps:

• Punitive Expedition (1897)
• Punitive Expeditions (1898-1915)
• Rundum (1915)

The British North Borneo Company’s Medal 1888-1916 Design

The medal is circular, struck in silver or bronze and measures 38mm in diameter and 5mm thick.

The obverse shows the shield of the Company, supported by a warrior on either side. The company motto at the foot reads “ERGO ET PERAGO” (or “I carry and accomplish“). The reverse bears the British lion facing left, standing in front of a bush adorned with the Company flag, with a small wreath in the exergue.

The medal’s ribbon was initially gold (later yellow), watery silk and measuring 32 millimeters. It was replaced in 1917 by a 32mm ribbon with maroon edges, two yellow stripes and a dark blue central stripe. The central stripe was originally 6mm wide, although modern ones have a 10mm stripe.