Victory Medal

The Victory Medal, also known as the Inter-Allied Victory Medal, is a military campaign medal that was awarded to the servicemen and women of the Allied forces who served during World War I. Established in 1919, the Victory Medal was issued by each of the Allied nations, with slight variations in design, to commemorate the victory and acknowledge the service of their armed forces during the war. The medal serves as a symbol of appreciation for the dedication, bravery, and commitment of the individuals who contributed to the defeat of the Central Powers during the Great War.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the Victory Medal, personnel must have been mobilized and served in the armed forces of one of the Allied countries during the First World War, between 5 August 1914 and 11 November 1918. The medal was awarded to both living and deceased individuals, with posthumous awards being made to the family or next of kin of the servicemen and women who died during the war.

Design

While the design of the Victory Medal varies slightly among the different nations, the common feature among them is the image of the winged Victory on the obverse of the medal. The British version of the Victory Medal is a circular bronze medallion, featuring the winged Victory holding a palm branch in her right hand and stretching out her left hand. The reverse of the British Victory Medal bears the inscription "THE GREAT WAR FOR CIVILISATION 1914-1919" surrounded by a laurel wreath.

Ribbon

The ribbon of the Victory Medal features a double rainbow design, with the violet band at the edges and the red band at the center. The double rainbow symbolizes the calm after the storm and the hope for a peaceful future following the end of the war. The ribbon is watered silk, which gives it a moiré effect.

The Victory Medal is a symbol of the dedication, bravery, and commitment of the servicemen and women of the Allied forces who served during World War I. It commemorates the victory over the Central Powers and serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by these individuals in the pursuit of peace and freedom.

Unmounted Medals

If you order your medal unmounted, the medal and ribbon will be supplied as separate components. Miniature medals will be supplied with 15cm of ribbon and full size medals will be supplied with 30cm of ribbon.

Victory Medal Full Size Court Mounted

The court mounting of medals involves securing medals to a stiff backing board, along with the placement of a brooch fitting on the board. This ensures that the medals remain firmly in place and do not shift or move about while being worn.

It is mandatory for active members of the Australian Defence Force to have their medals court mounted, as it is considered the appropriate method of presenting military honours in a professional and respectful manner. By doing so, the medals are given proper recognition and are displayed in a neat and organized fashion.

Victory Medal Full Size Swing Mounted

The swing mounting of medals refers to the attachment of a medal to a ribbon that is allowed to hang freely from a brooch, which in turn is affixed to a uniform or clothing. This mounting style was commonly used for medals from the Boer War up to and including World War II, although there are no fixed guidelines or regulations regarding its use.

Victory Medal Miniature Court Mounted

Miniature Court Mounted medals are mounted using the same method as Full size medals, yet they are typically worn to ceremonies were wearing full size medals would be impractical. These medals are commonly worn to all ceremonies that take place after 6 pm such as dinners.

Victory Medal Miniature Swing Mounted

Miniature Swing Mounted medals are mounted using the same method as Full size medals, yet they are typically worn to ceremonies were wearing full size medals would be impractical. These medals are commonly worn to all ceremonies that take place after 6 pm such as dinners.

Victory Medal Ribbon Bar

A ribbon bar is a small, rectangular display of ribbons worn on military uniforms to represent various honours and awards earned by the wearer. These ribbons are arranged in a specific order and are attached to a backing, which is then attached to the uniform. Ribbon bars are a compact and convenient way for military personnel to display their achievements and are often used in situations where a full-sized medal or award would be impractical.