THE MEDAL FOR MERITORIOUS SERVICE.
Reading edition
By a Royal Warrant, dated December 19th., 1845, it was ordered that a sum, not exceeding £2000 per year, should be distributed in annuities, as rewards for distinguished or meritorious service, to Sergeants recommended by the Commander-in-Chief, either while serving, or after discharge, with, or without pension, in sums not exceeding £20 in each case.
By a Warrant of June 4th., 1853, the sum to be distributed was increased to £4000 per annum; and by another Warrant dated December 4th., 1854, it was ordered that one sergeant of each regiment of Cavalry and Infantry, and one from each battalion of Foot Guards and Rifle Brigade, should be selected for the annuity, as a reward for their services in the Crimea. The obverse of the medal bears the Queen’s head, crowned, with the legend “Victoria Regina” and date of issue. The reverse has the inscription “For Meritorious Service,” surrounded by laurel, with a crown above. Ribbon: crimson. The name and regiment of the recipient are engraved on the edge of the medals. The annuity and medal are also given to Sergeants of the Marines, and worn with a blue ribbon. If an annuitant is promoted to a commission the medal may be retained, but the annuity must be relinquished.
A sergeant on becoming an annuitant, is required to relinquish the gratuity of which he may be in possession, making a declaration in writing that he does so voluntarily. The medal inscribed for “Meritorious Service” cannot be held together with that for “Good Conduct and Long Service;” but the latter must be surrendered on receipt of the former. Neither can two medals for “Distinguished Conduct” be held by the same individual, but a sergeant, on becoming an annuitant, must relinquish one of them. An annuitant may, however, hold the “Meritorious Service” medal, or that for “Good Conduct and Long Service,” together with the medal for “Distinguished Conduct in the Field.”[229]
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