The Canada General Service Medal was a campaign medal awarded by the Canadian Government[3] to both Imperial and Canadian forces for duties related to the Fenian raids between 1866 and 1871.[4] The medal was initially issued in 1899 and had to be applied for.[5] The application period was later extended to 1907, then to 1928.[3]
With late applications, 17,623 medals were awarded,[2] including 15,300 to members of Canadian units.[5]
The medal, 1.4 inches (36 mm) in diameter, is silver and has a plain straight swivel suspender.[3] The obverse bears the head of Queen Victoria with the legend VICTORIA REGINA ET IMPERATRIX, while the reverse depicts the ensign of Canada surrounded by a wreath of maple leaves with the word CANADA above.[5]
The recipient's name, rank and unit appear on the rim of the medal. A number of different impressed and engraved styles were used, reflecting that the medal was awarded over a long period of time.[3]
The 1.25 inches (32 mm) wide ribbon consists of three equal stripes of red, white and red. In 1943 the same ribbon was adopted for the Canada Medal.[6]
Clasps
The medal was always awarded with a clasp, with 12 medals awarded with all three clasps.[2] The number of clasps indicated below includes those that appear on multi-clasp medals.
- FENIAN RAID 1866
- For services related to the Fenian raids of 1866.[5] 13,000 clasps were awarded.[2]
- FENIAN RAID 1870
- For services related to the Fenian raids of 1870.[5] 5,925 clasps were awarded.[2]
- RED RIVER 1870
- For services related to the suppression of the Red River Rebellion.[5] 502 clasps were awarded.[2]
References
- ^ Canada: General Order (7) 1 January 1899.
- ^ a b c d e f Journal of the Orders and Medals Society of America. Volume 48, number 7. Aug-Sept 1997, pp 28-30.
- ^ a b c d Joslin, Litherland and Simpkin. British Battles and Medals. pp. 146-149. Published Spink, London. 1988. ISBN 0-907605-25-7
- ^ William Spencer. Medals - The Researcher's Guide. p. 53. Published by The National Archives, Richmond, Surrey, England. 2006. ISBN 1-903365-63-5
- ^ a b c d e f "War Medals (1866-1918) - Canadian General Service Medal (1866-1870)". Veteran Affairs Canada. Retrieved 6 October 2010.
- ^ Captain H. Taprell Dorling, Ribbons and Medals, p 65. Published A.H.Baldwin & Sons, London. 1956.
