By a Royal Warrant, dated December 19th., 1845, it was ordered that a
sum, not exceeding £2000 per year, should be distributed in annuities,
as rewards for distinguished or meritorious service, to Sergeants
recommended by the Commander-in-Chief, either while serving, or after
discharge, with, or without pension, in sums not exceeding £20 in each
case.
By a Warrant of June 4th., 1853, the sum to be distributed was increased
to £4000 per annum; and by another Warrant dated December 4th., 1854, it
was ordered that one sergeant of each regiment of Cavalry and Infantry,
and one from each battalion of Foot Guards and Rifle Brigade, should be
selected for the annuity, as a reward for their services in the Crimea.
The obverse of the medal bears the Queen’s head, crowned, with the
legend “Victoria Regina” and date of issue. The reverse has the
inscription “For Meritorious Service,” surrounded by laurel, with a
crown above. Ribbon: crimson. The name and regiment of the recipient are
engraved on the edge of the medals. The annuity and medal are also given
to Sergeants of the Marines, and worn with a blue ribbon. If an
annuitant is promoted to a commission the medal may be retained, but the
annuity must be relinquished.
A sergeant on becoming an annuitant, is required to relinquish the
gratuity of which he may be in possession, making a declaration in
writing that he does so voluntarily. The medal inscribed for
“Meritorious Service” cannot be held together with that for “Good
Conduct and Long Service;” but the latter must be surrendered on receipt
of the former. Neither can two medals for “Distinguished Conduct” be
held by the same individual, but a sergeant, on becoming an annuitant,
must relinquish one of them. An annuitant may, however, hold the
“Meritorious Service” medal, or that for “Good Conduct and Long
Service,” together with the medal for “Distinguished Conduct in the
Field.”[229]
EAST INDIA COMPANY’S MEDALS.
1848.
By a General Order of the Right Honourable the Governor-General of
India, dated “Fort William, May 20th., 1848,” medals for Long Service
and Good Conduct, and for Meritorious Service, were granted to the
troops of the East India Company. On the obverse of the medal is a
shield bearing the Arms of the East India Company, surrounded by
military trophies; and on the reverse, the words “For Long Service and
Good Conduct” in a circle, within which is engraved the name, rank, and
regiment of the recipient. Ribbon, red. The medal for Meritorious
Service was given to non-commissioned officers, with an annuity not
exceeding £20 in any case. On the obverse is the head of the Queen, with
the words “Victoria Regina,” and the date “1848.” On the reverse are the
Arms of the East India Company, surrounded by the words “For Meritorious
Service.” The name and regiment of the recipient are engraved on the
edge of the medal. Ribbon, red. A medal for Long Service and Good
Conduct was struck with the intention of giving it to the men of the
Company’s Navy, but it was never distributed. A few were issued by
mistake to the Army. On the obverse is the head of the Queen, and on the
reverse the words “For Long Service and Good Conduct,” with a crown and
anchor, surrounded by oak leaves. Ribbon, red.