The Imperial Service Order
Overview
The Imperial Service Order and Medal were instituted in 1902 to recognise long and meritorious service by senior civil servants in the United Kingdom, as well as British colonies and protectorates.
These medals were replaced in New Zealand by the creation of the Queen's Service Order in 1975.
Description
Initially, the Imperial Service Medal was issued in bronze. The obverse centre featured the Royal Cypher encircled by the words “For Faithful Service.” The external surround differed according to the recipient’s gender, with a seven-pointed star for men, and a laurel wreath for women.
In 1920, the design changed to a circular silver-coloured medal which used the same pattern for both men and women. The obverse featured the effigy of the Sovereign. The reverse side featured the image of a man resting from his work. The image is encircled by the words ‘For Faithful Service’.
The ribbon has a central blue stripe bordered by equal stripes of red.
Queries & requests
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Wearing this medal
The Imperial Service Order has two positions in the New Zealand Order of Wear. The Companion of the Imperial Service Order is worn with Orders of Chivalry and Other Orders. The Imperial Service Medal is worn after the Polar Medal and before King George V's Coronation Medal 1911.
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 Imperial Service Order 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.