The Polar Medal
Overview
The Polar Medal was instituted in 1904 to recognise outstanding service in the Arctic and the Antarctic. Over 1000 Polar Medals have been awarded, including many New Zealanders who served in various Antarctic expeditions and at Scott Base. New Zealand scientist Mary Bradshaw is one of three women awarded the Polar Medal.
In 2006, the New Zealand Antarctic Medal replaced the Polar Medal in New Zealand.
Description
The Polar Medal is silver in colour and octagonal in shape. The obverse bears a portrait of the Sovereign. The reverse features an image of Scott's ship, the Discovery, in winter quarters, with a sledging party in the foreground.
The ribbon is white. Clasp signifying in which region service was completed are awarded with the medal. Additional clasps may be awarded for further service.
Queries & requests
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Wearing this medal
The Polar Medal is worn after the New Zealand Special Service Medal (Asian Tsunami) and before the Imperial Service Medal in the New Zealand Order of Wear.
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 Polar Medal is no longer awarded in New Zealand since the introduction of the New Zealand Antarctica Medal in 2006.
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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.