Australian Army Museum of Western Australia > Records

Medal - Efficiency Medal

« Prev Item Next Item »

Subcollections

Overview

The Efficiency Medal was instituted in 1930 and awarded to warrant officers, non commissioned officers and men of the Citizens Military Forces for 12 years efficient service. Clasps were added for each additional 6 years service..
The medal was struck in silver and is oval, 39 millimetres high and 32 millimetres (wide. The fixed suspender bar, a pair of laurel leaves, is affixed to the medal by means of a single-toe claw and a horizontal pin through the upper edge of the medal. The suspender is decorated on the obverse with a scroll-pattern bar, inscribed AUSTRALIA. The obverse contains the effigy and title of the reigning monarch encircled by his/her titles in Latin. Variations on the obverse exist for George V, two for George VI (King -Emperor and King) and Queen Elizabeth II . THe obverse contain the words FOR EFFICIENT SERVICE in three lines. Medals are issued named in burr or chisel engraved capitals with regimental number, rank, initials, surname and unit. The green ribbon contains a flanking yellow stripe on each edge.

Historical information

The first Australian award was gazetted in 1935 and although superseded by the national medal and subsequent Long Service awards under the Australian Honours system, the last award was gazetted in 1988. Recorded issues were George V - 263; George VI - 6156 and Elizabeth II - 3479

Details

Registration number

cwa-org-32-55-Temp15

Inscriptions and markings

From the beginning many military awards for both bravery and long service had distinctions based on class, rank or responsibility. Awards could be issued in different medals, gold, silver or bronze. Their could be a Cross for officers and a medal for other ranks for example Military Cross and Military medal. For long service, officers received a Decoration, soldiers a Medal. Contemporary practice has been to remove rank restrictions for bravery awards while retaining options for the circumstancesof the action. Recognition for exceptional service such as the Oder of Australia retains criteria for the level of service being commended. In general long service medals have no rank distinction only years of service.
In contrast to the previous policies for medals, sacrifice was traditionally been recognised as equally honoured. Rank distinctions are not normally found on Memorials and Honour Boards, the Australian War memorial being a national example.

Contextual Information

Medals are displayed in context throughout the Museum. All medals are identified, archivally stored and those not on display are accessible and viewable with prior notice.

Australian Army Museum of Western Australia

Organisation Details
View Collection
Item Feedback