Physical Description

A circular medal constructed of silver. The obverse bears the image of the coast of Gibraltar with ships, above the image is the inscription "PER TOT DISCRIMINA RERUM", below the image is the date "XIII SEPT MDCCLXXXII". The reverse bears the image "BRUDERSCHAFT REDEN LAMOTTE SYDOW ELLIOT" within a laurel leaf wreath. On a loop for suspension.

History

The Medal for the Defence of Gibraltar was established in 1782 by General George August Elliott, with the permission of the King, to commemorate the Hannoverian Brigade. The medal was conferred upon Officers and soldiers who participated in the defence of Gibraltar.

In 1775, King George III of Hanover was approached by the British Parliament and was asked to help calm the colonial rebellion in America. He agreed, and two battalions were send to Minorca and three to Gibraltar.

In 1779, Spain launched an attack on Gibraltar, a major British military installation, and attempted to take the territory with the aid of the French. The siege lasted until 1783, and Britain ultimately held on to the Gibraltar. The siege was the largest action fought during the American War of Independence, as well as the longest siege the British Armed Services ever endured.

The medals were non-wearable, but soldiers made them wearable by adding attachments.