For Conspicuous Gallantry

The Conspicuous Gallantry Medal (CGM) was instituted in 1855 as the naval counterpart of the Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM) which had been introduced the year before, but for which men of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines were not eligible. Both pre-dated the VC (1856). Thus, until the appearance of the CGM there was no way of recognising gallant and distinguished service by sailors and marines. The initial medal was the Royal Marine Meritorious Service Medal but with the words "For Meritorious Service" on the reverse altered to read "For Conspicuous Gallantry." Twelve of these original medals were awarded to eleven recipients; Able Seaman D.Barry received two. After the Crimea the medal fell into disuse. It was revived for the Ashantee War of 1873-1874 and subsequent wars and campaigns. In 1921 the ribbon was changed from three equal stripes blue, white, blue to white with dark blue edges to avoid any confusion with the DSC which also had the same three stripes though with a darker blue. In 1942 came the final change in the CGM's history when eligibility was extended to Army and RAF personnel for gallantry whilst flying in active operations against the enemy, this in addition to the Distinguished Flying Medal. The CGM(Flying) medal remained the same but with a different ribbon of light blue with dark blue edges. In 1995 the DCM and both the CGMs were replaced by the new Conspicuous Gallantry Cross. This book is in two sections: the CGM and the CGM(Flying) with the names of recipients of each medal arranged in alphabetical order along with any citations.