History

The 1916 Medal was established by the Irish Republican Government in 1941 in commemoration of the 25th Anniversary of the Easter Rising in Dublin. It was awarded to those in possession of military service papers for services rendered during Easter Week 1916, to those who did not have these papers but could provide sufficient proof that they were entitled to them, to the next-of-kin of those deceased with papers, and to the next-of-kin of those who died without papers but who were entitled to them. The majority of recipients were members of the Dublin Brigade of the Irish Republican Army.

The Bronze Medal features a reverse inscription that translates to "Easter Week 1916." It was issued unnamed to surviving combatants, but it was issued named and numbered when it was awarded to those who died in the conflict.

The Bronze Medal was manufactured in three batches. The first batch of 1995 medals was completed in 1941, the second batch of 250 medals was completed in 1943, and the third batch of 200 medals was completed in 1953.