The General Service Medal is a British medal introduced in 1962. It combines the General Service Medal 1918 and Naval General Service Medal 1915. They were issued with a clasp stating which area in the world the service was performed. It was an active award until 2007 but then replaced by the Operational Service Medal.

This version was issued for service in Northern Ireland during the time of “The Troubles”. The qualifying period was a minimum of 30 days’ service between 14 August 1969 and 31 July 2007.  The 30 days’ did not have to be consecutive. Should the qualifying period be cut short due to injury or death, then the completed days are counted as sufficient for the award of this clasp.

On the rim of the medal the recipient is named – “Gunner J. J. Strain – Royal Artillery” – Service Number 23926289.

The medal and clasp are in excellent condition with a nice dark patina to both. Ribbon is perfect and soft to the touch.

Beautiful example and 100% original.