The British War Medal was instituted on 26 July 1919 for award to those who
had rendered service between 5 August 1914, the day following the British
declaration of war against the German Empire, and the armistice of 11
November 1918, both dates inclusive. Consideration was given to the award of
clasps to commemorate certain battles and theatres of operations and some 68 clasps were proposed for Naval recipients and 79 for the Army. While the
Naval clasps were authorized in August 1920, none were awarded and the
idea was abandoned in 1923. Unlike the 1914 Star and the 1914–15 Star, the
British War Medal could be awarded to all officers and men of British and
Imperial forces who had served for a prescribed period during any stage of
the war, or who had died on active service before the completion of this
period. Eligibility for the award of the medal was subsequently extended to
cover service in 1919 and 1920 in mine-clearing at sea as well as participation
in operations in North and South Russia, the eastern Baltic region, Siberia, the
Black Sea and the Caspian Sea.