A miniature of the International Submarine Commemorative Service Medal, commissioned by London Submariners and supported by the National and International Submariners Associations, as a distinctive tribute to the men who have served and continue to serve beneath the world's oceans.
"Of all the branches of men in the forces, there are none which shows more devotion and faces grimmer perils, than the submariner." Winston Churchill 1943.
The medal features a submerged ‘Oberon’ glass boat. A class introduced approximately midway through the century of submarine development. The vessel is shown motionless and is encircled by the words: INTERNATIONAL SUBMARINE SERVICE.
THE REVERSE
The facet incorporates the gradated markings of the depth gauge, on instrument associated with the Submarine Service. Through this feature the viewer can observe the approach of the wording: BY SKILL AND STEALTH WE COME UNSEEN.
THE RIBBON
The blue represents the depth of the ocean; the white is the wake of the torpedo. The black represents the submarine and the red is the strike power and also reflects the nuclear age. Furthermore, it is the colour of the International Submariners Association. The ribbon is moiréd, giving it a watered effect. The ribbon and medal are connected by a unique medal suspender which incorporates the dolphins of the Submarine Service supporting a propeller in an anti-fouling shroud as found on a torpedo. These elements are linked and attached to the medal by way of a torpedo safety fork. This medal is supplied on a concealed single pin, ready to wear.