Context: The medal was instituted on 25 March 1916.
Eligibility and Criteria: The medal is awarded to Warrant Officers, Non-commissioned Officers and non-commissioned members for individual or associated acts of bravery on the recommendation of a Commander-in-Chief in the field.
Description: It is a circular, silver medal, 1.42 inch in diameter. For mounting, an ornate scroll suspender is attached to the medal with a single-toe claw.
It has a dark blue ribbon, 1.25-inch-wide, with five equal centre stripes of white, red, white, red, and white.
Medal obverse: The medal was awarded with one of six obverse designs:
George V (1st type) in Field Marshall’s uniform (1916–1930);
George V (2nd type) in crown and robes (1930–1937);
George VI (1st type); inscribed ‘INDIAE IMP‘ (1938–1948);
George VI (2nd type); omits ‘INDIAE IMP‘ (1949–1952);
Elizabeth II (1st type); inscription has ‘BR OMN’ (1952–1958);
Elizabeth II (2nd type); inscription has ‘DEI GRATIA’ (1958–1993).
The reverse shows FOR/BRAVERY/IN THE/FIELD in four lines, encircled by a laurel wreath and surmounted by the Royal Cypher and Imperial Crown.