Mercantile Marine (WWI) Miniature War Medal

The Mercantile Marine War Medal was awarded by the Board of Trade of the United Kingdom to members of the Merchant Navy for one or more voyages through a war or danger zone during the course of WW1, approximately 133,135 medals were issued. It was also awarded to a few members of the Royal Navy who were seconded for service with the Mercantile Marine between 4th August 1914 and 31st December 1915. Mercantile Marine is how the Merchant Navy was then known.

The medal is bronze with the obverse of the medal showing an uncrowned profile of King George V by Sir Bertram Mackennal. The reverse of the medal shows a merchant ship ploughing her way through stormy seas, an enemy submarine sinking and a sailing vessel in the background. The base of the reverse has the inscription 'For War Service Mercantile Marine 1914 - 1918'. This is all enclosed within a laurel wreath. The ribbon is half green and half red with a thin white stripe down the centre seperating the 2 colours, and is made in a standard width of 16mm.

To qualify for this medal personnel must have been awarded the British War Medal and also provided proof of service on one or more voyages through a danger zone.

AWARD miniature medals complement the full-size official medals and are normally worn for formal dinner dress occasions.

All official medals are sent loose on the ribbon unless medal mounting is also purchased on the same order.