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General Service Medal (2008)

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For other uses, see General Service Medal (disambiguation).
General Service Medal (2008)
Obverse of the medal
TypeCampaign medal
DescriptionSilver disk, 36 mm diameter.
EligibilityBritish forces.
Campaign(s)Minor campaigns 2008–present
Clasps
  • Southern Asia
  • Arabian Peninsula
  • Northern Africa
  • Western Africa
  • East Africa
Established2015
Service ribbon of the medal
RelatedGeneral Service Medal (1918)
General Service Medal (1962)

The General Service Medal (GSM 08), was introduced in 2015 to recognize specified operations, not qualifying for another campaign medal. The medal was first awarded in 2016 for service in operations since January 2008. Like its predecessor medal the General Service Medal (1962), operations will be denoted by clasps which indicate the geographic area of operations and not a specific operation. The first awards of the medal were made by Secretary of State for Defence Michael Fallon at a ceremony on 12 June 2016.

Appearance

The GSM 08 is a circular silver medal. The obverse features the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Elizabeth II. The reverse bears a design featuring a standing figure of Britannia holding a trident standing ahead of a lion, symbolising Britain. The whole is encircled by a oak leaf wreath to the designs of previous GSM medals.[1]

Clasps

The claps for the medal are named based on the geographic region of operations and not for specific named operations.[2] The clasps for this medal and their qualifying periods of service are as follows:[3]

  • Southern Asia
    • Operation LEEWAY 1 January 2008–present
    • Operation PRESIDIUM 10 February 2010–present
  • Arabian Peninsula
    • Operation QUANTAM 1 January 2009–31 May 2012
    • Operation ICENI 1 June 2012–2 December 2013
  • Northern Africa 1 November 2011–present
  • Western Africa 13 Jananuary 2013–22 May 2013
  • East Africa
    • Operation BACKWELL 20 April 2012–present
    • Operation MODEST 29 June 2013–present

References

  1. ^ "Armed Forces personnel from Plymouth among first to receive new medals". Plymouth Herald. 11 June 2016. Retrieved 13 June 2016.
  2. ^ "Defence Secretary awards new medal to 46 troops". GOV.UK. Ministry of Defense. Retrieved 13 June 2016.
  3. ^ "UK Armed Forces Deaths: Operational deaths post World War II 3 September 1945 to 17 February 2016" (PDF). Ministry of Defence. 31 March 2016. p. 16. Retrieved 13 June 2016.
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