The Conspicuous Gallantry Medal (CGM)
Overview
The Conspicuous Gallantry Medal (CGM) was instituted in 1855 as the Navy's equivalent to the Distinguished Conduct Medal. It was awarded to senior and junior ratings. In 1942, the Conspicuous Gallantry Medal was extended to Air Force personnel of equivalent ranks serving with the Navy.
In 1993, the CGM was replaced in the United Kingdom by the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross. The CGM continued to be awarded in New Zealand until 1999 when it was replaced by the New Zealand Gallantry Star.
Description
The medal is silver and circular. The obverse features the effigy of the Sovereign. The reverse bears the inscription "FOR CONSPICUOUS GALLANTRY", encircled by a Crowned laurel wreath.
Different ribbons distinguish awards to Navy and Air Force recipients. The CGM (Naval) ribbon is white and edged with narrow stripes of dark blue. The CGM (Flying) ribbon is sky blue and edged with narrow stripes of dark blue.
Bars were awarded for subsequent acts of gallantry.
Queries & requests
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Wearing this medal
The Conspicuous Gallantry Medal is worn with medals for gallantry and bravery in the New Zealand Order of Wear. It is always worn after the Distinguished Conduct Medal and before the George Medal.
For more information on how to wear and care for honours, medals, and awards:
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Checking eligibility and applying for this medal
The Conspicuous Gallantry Medal is no longer awarded in New Zealand since the introduction of New Zealand's own system of Gallantry and Bravery awards in 1999.
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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.