History

Instituted by King Gustavus III, this Medal was initially conferred upon soldiers and Non-Commissioned Officers who displayed acts of valour during wartime at sea.

In May 1808, King Charles XIII expanded the Medal, and instituted a Gold class which was conferred to Officers.

This Medal was instituted simultaneously with the Medal for Bravery in the Field (See Swedish Medals & Decorations for more information), and throughout the years both medals have underwent the same changes.

Throughout the years of the Medal’s existence, the Medal underwent a number of changes, including the design of the ribbon.

At the medal’s institution the obverse design consisted of the royal portrait of King Gustavus III. Throughout the years 1804-1809, the obverse design consisted of the the royal cypher of King Gustavus IV. Following 1809, the obverse design was changed by King Carl XIII, to a design similar to that of the Medal of the Order of the Sword (See Swedish Orders for more information).

The reverse design of the medal was consistent throughout the design amendments.

Initially the ribbon consisted of a plain blue design, it was later changed to a yellow ribbon that had blue stripes, and again, amended in 1819 once again to an equally half blue half yellow ribbon.

Following 1900, the medal was surmounted with a royal crown.

This Medal has rarely been conferred since the war of 1813-1814.