Meritorious Service Medal MSM

Commonwealth of Australia Meritorious Service Medal: Awarded initally as the Colonial Meritorious Service Medal, the medal has also been awarded In Canada, Cape of Good Hope, Natal, New Zealand and most states in Australia prior to 1903. British issues have a crimson riband with three white stripes. The Australian issues from 1903 to 1975 (when they ceased to be awarded to Australians with the introduction of the Australian Honours and Awards system) has a crimson riband with two central green stripes.

Australian medals have ‘Commonwealth of Australia, and the words ‘For Meritorious Service’ on the reverse within a crowned laurel wreath. Recipients may use the post-nominals MSM after their name. The medals have been issued in a number of formats to all the services and by many different authorities. In essence they were in recognition of continued service and achievement. In some cases in the UK, an annuity was also included but was also reliant on the necessary funds being available.

Introduced in 1845 for NCO€™s for distinguished or meritorious service. It was later changed for meritorious long service. During WWI some were awarded for distinguished service. The obverse features the reigning monarch at the time of issue.