History

The Canada Volunteer Service Medal was sanctioned by order of the King’s Privy Council for Canada on October 22, 1943. The Silver Medal was awarded to members of the armed forces and nursing services in recognition of 18 months of voluntary service between September 2, 1939, and March 1, 1947. Personnel who were honourably discharged as well as personnel who served with the allied forces prior to the qualifying period were also eligible for the award. It is estimated that approximately 650 000 Medals were issued.

A maple leaf clasp denoting 60 days or more of overseas service was first authorized for award with the Medal. Recipients of the maple leaf clasp are entitled to wear a maple leaf emblem in the center of the ribbon when the ribbon is worn alone. In 1994, the clasps “DIEPPE” (to reward service in the Dieppe raid of August 19, 1942) and “HONG KONG” (to reward service in the December 8-25, 1941 Battle of Hong Kong) were instituted for award with the Medal. A Bomber Command clasp was later instituted in 2013 to recognize service in the Bomber Command during the Second World War.

The Medal may also be awarded posthumously.