This medal and the gratuity adverted to in the list of recipients of the
Sardinian Medal, and also in the list of the recipients of the French
Medal, were authorized by the Royal Warrant of the 4th. of December,
1854, with the special view of marking the Sovereign’s sense of the
distinguished service and gallant conduct in the field, of the army then
serving in the Crimea, under Field-Marshal Lord Raglan. By its
provisions the commanding officer of each regiment of cavalry was
allowed to recommend one sergeant, two corporals, and four privates; and
the commanding officer of each regiment of infantry, and of each
battalion of the Foot Guards, and of the Rifle Brigade, was permitted to
select one sergeant, four corporals, and ten privates, to receive a
medal and a gratuity of fifteen pounds for a sergeant, for a corporal
ten pounds, and for a private five pounds. The gratuity was to be placed
in the regimental savings’ bank, there to remain in deposit at interest
until the discharge of the soldier, and to be considered his personal
property. On the obverse of the medal are the Royal Arms, surmounted by
a cuirass and helmet, and surrounded with helmets, cannon, shot, drums,
trumpets, muskets, swords, and flags; and on the reverse is inscribed
“For Distinguished Conduct in the Field.” The ribbon is red and ribbed,
with a broad blue stripe in the centre. This medal has since been
awarded to soldiers for services performed during the Indian Mutiny and
subsequent campaigns. The name of the recipient, with his rank and
regiment, are indented on the edge of the medal, and in most cases the
date of the action for which the medal was given.
[Illustration:
Medal for Distinguished Conduct in the Field.
]
[Illustration:
The Victoria Cross.
]