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The British Empire Medal Obverse The British Empire Medal Reverse

The British Empire Medal

Overview

Instituted in 1922, the British Empire Medal (BEM) is part of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire and was originally awarded for meritorious service to non-commissioned officers and civilians who were not eligible for admission into the other five classes of the Order of the British Empire. Between 1957 and 1974 the medal and various grades of the Order of the British Empire were also awarded for gallantry. This policy was discontinued in 1974 with the introduction of the Queen’s Gallantry Medal.

The British Empire Medal was awarded to New Zealand military personnel until 1995.

Awards of the British Empire Medal were normally announced in the New Year or Sovereign's Birthday Honours Lists.

Description

The British Empire Medal is silver in colour and circular in shape. The obverse features an image of Britannia encircled by the inscription “FOR GOD AND THE EMPIRE.” The words “For Meritorious Service” are inscribed at the bottom. On the reverse is George V's Imperial and Royal Cypher above the inscription “Instituted by King George V.”

The recipient's name is engraved on the rim. 

Originally, the ribbon was plain purple, with a red central stripe for the military division.  In 1937, the ribbon was changed to the current design of rose-pink with pearl-grey edges, with an additional pearl-grey central stripe for the military division. 

Eligibility

Achievement or contribution of a very “hands-on” service to the community in a local geographical area. This might take the form of sustained commitment in support of very local charitable and/or voluntary activity; or innovative work that has delivered real impact but that is relatively short (three to four years) in duration.

Queries & requests

  • Wearing this honour

    The British Empire Medal is worn with medals for meritorious service in the New Zealand Order of Wear.  It is worn after the New Zealand Distinguished Service Decoration and before campaign medals.

    For more information on how to wear and care for honours, medals, and awards:

  • Checking eligibility and applying for this medal

    Since the institution of the New Zealand Order of Merit on 30 May 1996, New Zealand no longer recommends individuals for the various British State Orders of Chivalry (e.g. Orders of the Bath, St Michael and St George and British Empire) and Orders (e.g. the Order of the Companions of Honour), and the honour of Knight Bachelor.

    For further information,  the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet has provided a history of the New Zealand Honours System(external link).

  • Checking if this medal was issued

    Honours, medals, and awards bestowed on an individual for service in the New Zealand Armed Forces are recorded in their individual service record.  NZDF Personnel Archives and Medals holds a collection of about 1.5 million service records relating to 420,000 New Zealand service personnel who served in New Zealand’s Military Forces after the First World War.

    Service records are not currently digitised, but we can locate it and find the information you might be looking for or help you book a time for you to see the records in Trentham by completing the form on the Service Record page. 

    Request a service record