Page 95 - Medals of the Irish Defence Forces

Medals of the Irish Defence Forces

AN BoNN SEIRBhíSE (1917-1921)

the Service Medal (1917-1921)

conditions of award:
This medal is awarded in two classes:-
Medal with bar to persons who rendered active service in either of the
periods (a) the period commencing on the 1st April, 1920, and ending
on the 31st March, 1921, or (b) the period commencing on the 1st April,
1921, and ending on the 11th July, 1921.

Medal, without bar to persons whose service is not deemed to be active
military service, but who were members of Óglaigh na hÉireann, (Irish
Republican Army), Fianna Éireann, Cumann na mBan or the Irish Citizen
Army for the three months ended on the 11th July, 1921.

Design:
A bronze circular medal approximately one and three fifth inches
in diameter bearing on the obverse the arms of the four provinces of
Ireland. In the centre appears a standing figure, facing front, depicting
a Volunteer, a member of a guerrilla force – termed “Flying Column” - of
the period 1917 -1922 in typical dress (trench coat and cap with rifle,
revolver and bandoleer). The word “ÉIRE” (meaning Ireland) appears
horizontally across the centre of the medal in large letters (two on either
oBvERSE
side of the figure). The words “Cogaḋ na Saoirse” which are translated
The Fight for Freedom appear below. The reverse shows a palm leaf
symbolic of victory.

ribbon:
Black (to the observer’s left) and tan in two vertical panels. The combination
of the colours black and tan was adopted by reason of its association with
the terms “Black and Tan” which had a particular significance in relation to
the struggle for independence during the years 1917-1921.

suspension Bar:
REvERSE
The suspension bar from which the ribbon is suspended bears a celtic
interlaced design.

service Bar:
The bar which is joined to the suspender bears the Inscription “Cóṁrac”,
RIBBoN
which is translated “Combat”, with a St. Brendan’s Knot at either side.

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