Ribbon bar on a metal carriage to allow it to slide onto stacking ribbon bars. A central slot allows the addition of emblems without having the need to purchase a new ribbon.
Used from 1922 until June 1937.
Established by King George V in 1922, and formally entitled the Medal of The Order of The British Empire.
Awarded for meritorious service it also served as a third level gallantry award for services which did not merit the award of the GM or GC. It was awarded particularly for service during air raids in World War Two. From December 1957, a gallantry emblem of crossed oakleaves was established to be worn on all grades of the Order of the British Empire, including the medal. This was discontinued in 1974 when the Queen's Gallantry Medal was established.
After being ceased in the 1993 review of the honours system, the BEM was restored in 2012 with the first 299 awards being made in the Queen's Birthday honours list.
We were delighted to have been awarded the contract to make the new BEM.
