History

The Royal Marines Meritorious Service Medal was instituted by Queen Victoria by Order in Council on January 15, 1849. The Silver Medal was initially awarded to sergeants of the Royal Marines for 24 years of service, with the latest 14 years serving as sergeant, in recognition of specific acts of gallantry or distinguished service. In 1872, the award was extended to discharged sergeants, with the qualification period being reduced to 21 years of service. In 1874, with the introduction of the Conspicuous Gallantry Medal, the Royal Marines Meritorious Service Medal no longer rewarded acts of gallantry.

From 1916 until 1919, Non-Commissioned Officers were eligible for the award of the Medal for demonstrations of specifically meritorious service performed in difficult situations.

The Medal was superseded by the Empire Gallantry Medal in 1928 but was reinstituted in 1977 as strictly a long service award.

The Medal has an annual contingent of 3 recipients and may sometimes be awarded with an annuity.

There are multiple versions of the Medal which differ by an obverse effigy of the reigning monarch. Medals issued between 1916 and 1919 to Non-Commissioned Officers feature a crimson ribbon with 3 white stripes instead of a dark blue ribbon usually worn with the Royal Marines Meritorious Service Medal. Medals awarded to Non-Commissioned Officers also feature an obverse depiction of King George V in the uniform of an admiral (for service afloat) or in the uniform of a field marshal (for service with the naval brigades).