Mercantile Marine
War Medal
Mercantile Marine War Medal
This circular bronze campaign medal was established in 1919.
The Board of Trade awarded this medal to people who had served in the Merchant Navy for at least six months and who had made a voyage through a war zone or danger zone during the 1914-1918 war.
The Merchant Navy provided vital support for Britain by importing food and raw materials and transporting soldiers overseas and keeping them supplied.
The British War Medal was automatically awarded to all recipients of the Mercantile Marine Medal.
Following WW1, 133,135 Mercantile Marine War Medals were awarded.
The green and red colours of the ribbon were to represent the starboard and port running lights of a ship, with the centre white colour being representative of the masthead steaming light.