History

The Royal Naval Long Service and Good Conduct Medal was instituted by William IV by Order in Council on August 24, 1831. The Silver Medal is awarded to members of the Royal Navy in recognition of exemplary conduct. Initially, 21 years of service was required to be eligible for the award. However, the qualifying period has changed over the years, with eligibility being reduced to 10 years of service in 1874 and then later increased to 15 years of service. In 1981, the award was extended to Commissioned Officers of the naval services after 15 years of service, with 12 years of service in the ranks.

During the reign of King George V, clasps were introduced to reward additional 15 years of service.

There are multiple versions of the Medal which differ by size, suspension, and design. The first version of the Medal is of a smaller size and features an obverse depiction of an anchor, a ring suspension, and the recipient's details on the reverse. Subsequent versions implemented since Queen Victoria feature a variety of bar suspensions (which vary in size and swivel function) and an obverse effigy of the ruling sovereign. Later issues of the Medal also feature the recipient's name on the rim and the reverse inscription, "FOR LONG SERVICE AND GOOD CONDUCT." Between 1848 and 1850, some Queen Victoria version Medals featured the obverse date "1848," and some Medals issued between 1975 and 1877 feature the recipient's year of service in addition to the recipient's name.

A variety of different naming styles were used and there may be additional versions of the Medal.