History

The General Service Medal was instituted by King George V by Army Order on January 23, 1923 as a contemporary award of the Naval General Service Medal. The Silver Medal was awarded to members of the military and royal air force in recognition of service in minor campaigns between 1918 and 1962 outside of campaigns in India and East, West, and Central Africa that were already recognized by the Africa or India General Service Medals.

The Silver Medal is never issued without a clasp, and there are 18 possible clasps which denote the campaign or theatre of war authorized for wear with the Medal:

1. “S. PERSIA”
2. “KURDISTAN”
3. “IRAQ”
4. “N.W. PERSIA”
5. “SOUTHERN DESERT IRAQ”
6. “NORTHERN KURDISTAN”
7. “PALESTINE”
8. “S.E. ASIA 1945-46”
9. “BOMB & MINE CLEARANCE 1945-49”
10. “BOMB & MINE CLEARANCE 1945-56”
11. “PALESTINE 1945-48”
12. “MALAYA”
13. “CYRPUS”
14. “NEAR EAST”
15. “ARABIAN PENINSULA”
16. “BRUNEI”
17. “CANAL ZONE”
18. “BERLIN AIRLIFT”

Additionally, Bronze Oak leaf clasps were awarded to recipients who received a mention in despatches.

There are 6 versions of the General Service Medal which differ by the effigy of the reigning monarch the time of issue. Only the "NORTHERN KURDISTAN" clasp is issued for wear with the "GEORGIVS V D G BRITT OMN REX ET INDIAE IMP" version. It is uncertain which clasps are worn with which versions. As such, only versions with associated images are featured.

A variety of different naming styles were used.

There may be additional versions that vary by composition, but more research is needed.