History

The Polar Medal was instituted by King Edward VII in September 1904. The Medal was initially issued in Silver and Bronze. The Silver Medal was created to reward Officers and men of Captain Scott's 1902-1904 Antartic expedition aboard the HMS Discovery. The Bronze Medal was awarded to Officers and men, except in cases of sickness, who did not remain on the ship for the duration of the trip in the Antartic regions, as well as to Officers and men aboard the relief ships Morning and Terra Nova. The Medal has since been expanded to continue to reward civilians, scientists, Officers, and crews for valuable service in subsequent expeditions. Silver Medals are awarded to personnel who have landed or who have served on 1 or more voyages while Bronze Medals are awarded to personnel who have been less exposed to the dangers of the Polar regions whilst serving on Arctic or Antarctic expeditions. Since 1939, the Bronze Medal has ceased to be awarded. It is estimated that 1038 Silver and 271 Bronze Medals have been issued. 6 women have been recipients of the Medal.

The Silver Medal is always worn with a clasp or clasps denoting the expeditions recognized while only some Bronze Medals are awarded with a clasp.

There are multiple versions of the Medal which vary by the obverse effigy of the reigning monarch.

Named and unnamed versions of the Medal exist.

It is uncertain how many clasps are available for award. Due to the uncertainty of clasps awarded with the Medal, the different clasp versions are not features here.