This First World War medal was agreed to by all allies in March 1919. All
medals were to be almost identical to obviate the need to exchange allied
medals and each was patterned after a French medal of 1870. The medal was
authorized in Britain (and for Canadians) on 01 September 1919. The medal
was awarded to all ranks of the fighting forces, to civilians under contract, and
others employed with military hospitals who actually served on the
establishment of a unit in a theatre of war between 05 August 1914 and 11
November 1918 (inclusive). It was also awarded to members of the British
Naval mission to Russia 1919 - 1920 and for mine clearance in the North Sea
between 11 November 1918 and 30 November 1919. This medal was always
issued with the British War Medal.