Introduced in 1917 as part of the Order of the British Empire for those who have rendered important services to the Empire. In 1918, a military division was created for all commissioned, warrant and subordinate officers of the military services.

In 1922, the medal was divided into the Medal of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire for GALLANTRY (known as the E.G.M., Empire Gallantry Medal) and the Medal of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire for Meritorious Service (B.E.M.). The E.G.M. was superceded by the George Cross in September 1940.

The B.E.M. continued to be awarded for meritorious service after 1940 but also for gallantry. A military and civilian divisions continued.

Bars: Awarded for additional acts of gallantry (silver laurelled bar). After 1957, a silver emblem of two oak leaves was awarded with the medal when it was awarded for gallantry. The oak leaves would also be worn on the ribbon in undress. In undress, the recipient of the bar wears a rosette. (no bars to Canadians but oak leaves have been).

Obverse: Britannia seated with the sun to her right. Legend around the edge reads FOR GOD AND THE EMPIRE and in the exergue (below) is the inscription FOR MERITORIOUS SERVICE. The E.G. M. had FOR GALLANTRY in exergue.

Description: Circular, 1.42 inches, silver. A thin medal.

Reverse: Royal Cypher surmounted by a crown with the words: INSTITUTED BY KING GEORGE V within a border of four heraldic lions.

Mounting: A straight clasp attached to the medal by laurel leaves.

Ribbon:

1917-37	1 1/16"; Purple (military had a central thin Red stripe)
1937 - 0n	1 1/4"; Rose Pink edged with thin Pearl Grey stripes. Military has central thin grey stripe added

Issued:

Pre WWII	unknown
WWII	1202 for merit and 34 for gallantry
Korea	16 for merit
Post Korea	10 for merit and 24 for gallantry

The Air Force Medal
The Victoria Cross