Summary

Australia
New South Wales Distinguished Conduct Medal - Queen Victoria
Royal Mint specimen without mount for ribbon, with plain edge

The British Distinguished Conduct Medal was instiruted in 1854 when the Crimean War showed that a gallantry medal for other ranks was needed. On 31 May 1895 a separate medal for warrent officers, NCOs and men serving in colonial forces was introduced. Medals were struck for the Australian colonies of New South Wales, Queensland and Tasmania but none were ever issued.

Physical Description

A silver medal (36 mm. diameter) without mount for ribbon. The obverse features an oval shield bearing the Royal Arms set in front of a military trophy; the artist's name, PISTRUCCI D. (Benedetto Pistrucci - the D indicates he designed it) in exergue. The reverse has the legend NEW SOUTH WALES FOR DISTINGUISHED CONDUCT IN THE FIELD.

Obverse Description

The obverse features an oval shield bearing the Royal Arms set in front of a military trophy; the artist's name, PISTRUCCI D. (Benedetto Pistrucci - the D indicates he designed it) in exergue.

Reverse Description

The reverse has the legend NEW SOUTH WALES FOR DISTINGUISHED CONDUCT IN THE FIELD.

Edge Description

Plain

Significance

Royal Mint specimen with plain edge
The British Distinguished Conduct Medal was instituted in 1854 when the Crimean War showed that a gallantry medal for other ranks was needed. On 31 May 1895 a separate medal for warrent officers, NCOs and men serving in colonial forces was introduced. Medals were struck for the Australian colonies of New South Wales, Queensland and Tasmania but none were ever issued.

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