The India Service Medal 1939–1945 was a campaign medal of the Commonwealth. It was awarded to Indian Forces for three years of non-operational service in India during the Second World War.
| India Service Medal | |
|---|---|
 | |
Obverse and reverse of medal
| |
| Awarded by the Indian Empire | |
| Type | Campaign medal |
| Eligibility | Indian Forces |
| Awarded for | Campaign service |
| Campaign | Second World War 1939–45 |
| Description | Cupro-nickel, 36mm diameter |
| Clasps | None |
| Statistics | |
| Established | 6 June 1946 |
| Total awarded | 220,000 |
| Related | Defence Medal |
 | |
Eligibility
editThe medal was instituted on 6 June 1946.[1]
It was awarded to Indian Forces, including Reserve, State and Women's forces, for at least three years of non-operational service in India between 3 September 1939 and 2 September 1945.[2] It was issued in addition to, and worn immediately after, British campaign World War II medals.
Approximately 220,000 medals were issued.[1]
Description
edit- It is a circular, cupro-nickel medal, 36mm diameter.[1]
- The obverse has the crowned effigy of King George VI facing left, with the legend "GEORGIVS VI D:G:BR:OMN:REX ET INDIAE IMP." (George VI by the grace of God King of Great Britain and Emperor of India).[1]
- The reverse shows a relief map of India and the words "INDIA" above and "1939–45" below.[1]
- The medal was awarded unnamed.[1]
- The ribbon represented the colours of the Order of the Star of India and the Order of the Indian Empire.[3]
Clasps
editThere are no clasps for this medal.
References
edit- ^ a b c d e f Joslin, Litherland and Simpkin. British Battles and Medals. p. 254. Published Spink, London. 1988.
- ^ D. W. Collett. Medal Year Book 1981. p. 134. Published Medal Year Book, Chingford, Essex. 1981.
- ^ Captain H. Taprell Dorling. Ribbons and Medals. p. 100. A.H.Baldwin & Sons, London. 1956.