British Commonwealth War and Campaign Medals Awarded to New Zealanders - The Mercantile Marine War Medal
About the Mercantile Marine War Medal
The Mercantile Marine War Medal, instituted in 1919, was awarded to all members of the Merchant Navy who had undertaken one or more voyages through a war or danger zone during the First World War.
The obverse of this bronze medal shows the uncrowned left-facing profile of King George V by Sir Bertram Mackennal. The reverse of the medal depicts a steamship ploughing through an angry sea, with a sinking submarine and a sailing vessel in the background, the whole image enclosed in a laurel wreath. At the lowest part of the reverse are the words "FOR WAR SERVICE MERCANTILE MARINE 1914-1918".
Throughout the British Empire approximately 133,000 Mercantile Marine War Medals were awarded.
About the ribbon
The ribbon is green on the left side, red on the right side, with a thin central white stripe, which symbolise port and starboard steaming lights.
Clasps and Bars
No clasps or bars were issued for this medal.
Order of Wear
The position of this medal in the Wearing of Medals in New Zealand Table can be viewed here.
Further information about First World War medals
Alec A. Purves. The Medals, Decorations and Orders of the Great War 1914-1918. 2nd revised edition (1989)
Captain H. Taprell Dorling. Ribbons and Medals. 20th edition (1983). Edited and revised by Alec A. Purves