- Time Period: Pre-WW1
- Year of Institution: 1899
- Country: Great Britain
The Canada General Service Medal is a campaign medal awarded to both Imperial and Canadian forces by the Canadian Government for duties related to the Fenian raids between 1866 and 1871.
The medal was not issued until 1899 and people had to applied for it. The period for applying was first extended to 1907, and then to 1928. With late applications, approximately 16,668 medals were awarded , including 15,300 to members of Canadian units.
The medal was always awarded with a clasp, and 20 medals were awarded with all three clasps. Those were:
- FENIAN RAID 1866: For services related to the Fenian raids of 1866. 8,591 clasps were awarded.
- RED RIVER 1870: For services related to the suppression of the Red River Rebellion. 8,606 clasps were awarded.
- FENIAN RAID 1870: For services related to the Fenian raids of 1870. 565 clasps were awarded.
The Canada General Service Medal Design
The obverse of the medal bears the head of Queen Victoria with the legend “VICTORIA REGINA ET IMPERATRIX”.
The reverse depicts the red ensign of Canada surrounded by a wreath of maple leaves with the word CANADA above.
