AUSTRALIAN AWARDS
The Long & Efficient Service Medal
This medal is the same design as the LSEM awarded by Commonwealth Command with a few minor differences. Firstly the eligibility to receive the medal in Australia need not all be for service in the Legion, but can include service in the military forces of Australia, provided that service has not previously been reckoned for the awarding of any military Long Service medals. It can also include service in other Legion Commands, and, secondly the Australian medal is hung from a ‘bar’ suspension.
The medal was first authorised for issue in 1951, and was manufactured by JR Gaunt [London] in a gilt finish. Firmin & Son’s produced the most recent issue. The original medal came with a 35mm red ribbon having two 7mm black stripes centrally placed 7mm apart. This ribbon had been used for the 1856 India General Service Medal. Toye, Kenning & Spencer produced the most recent ribbon.
The medal was originally issued without any clasps. Later a silver clasp with the word ‘AUSTRALIA’ was awarded after an additional 8 years service, for a short time there was a bronze clasp. The silver clasp was for 20 years and a gold clasp for 25 years service. All of these clasps had ‘AUSTRALIA’ on. A silver rosette was used on the service ribbon to indicate the award of the clasp. This was discontinued in 1999.
In 1999 Colonel Robin Hale and Lieutenant Colonel David Alexander-Fleming redesigned the medal to incorporate the ‘AUSTRALIA’ bar into the suspension of the medal.
The medal and miniature were manufactured by Tasmedals, Australia.
