Queen's Gallantry Medal (QGM).

Awarded to civilians for acts of exemplary bravery, at a level below that of the George Medal. The QGM is also awarded to military personnel for those acts for which military honours would not normally be granted, such as acts of exemplary bravery not in presence of the enemy.

Description: Silver and circular in shape, the obverse of the medal shows the crowned effigy of the monarch. The reverse (shown here) bears the image of an imperial crown above the words 'The Queen's Gallantry Medal' flanked by laurel sprigs. Clasp. Silver bar decorated with laurel leaves may be issued to QGM holders performing a further act of such bravery, which would have merited award of the QGM. When the ribbon alone is worn, a silver rosette denotes award of the Clasp.

Ribbon. Blue with a central stripe of pearl grey bisected by a narrow stripe of rose pink.

History. The QGM was instituted in 1974 to recognise acts of gallantry of a slightly lower degree than that required for the George Cross and George Medal. Previously, these acts of bravery had been recognised by awards in the Order of the British Empire, with the choice of level in that Order being determined not by the degree of gallantry displayed, but by the rank or level of responsibility held by the individual. By 1974, it was recognised that ranks and levels of responsibility were not relevant when making awards for gallantry, so awards in the Order of the British Empire were discontinued on the introduction of the new Queen's Gallantry Medal.