Imperial Service Medal

Earlier this year I was informed that I had been awarded the Imperial Service Medal. My name along with a number of my colleagues names was published in the London Gazette 2nd June 2015.

Madam,

I am commanded to forward the Imperial Service Medal which Her Majesty The Queen has been graciously pleased to award to you in recognition of the meritorious services which you have rendered.

I have the honour to be, Madam,

Your obedient servant,

J M Vernon

Registrar of the Imperial Service Order

Imperial Service Medal

On Friday 27th November 2015 a of few of those colleagues awarded with the medal, accompanied by family members gathered together for a formal award ceremony where we were presented with our medals. After the formal proceedings and presentation of medals there was a buffet which allowed us to socialise and enjoy the occasion.

The Imperial Service Medal Citation

Throughout history Monarchs and governments have realised the value and indeed the necessity, of giving some kind of reward as a token of their appreciation of loyal and devoted service or gallantry in battle.

In earlier times this might have taken a tangible form such as gifts of land and money; honours were often given in the form of gold chains, badges or medallions, and awards for gallantry in the form of accoutrements and weapons.

Since the middle ages these have gradually been replaced by peerages, knighthoods and the Insignia of Orders of Chivalry.

The Imperial Service Medal is an award within the Imperial Service Order which was created and instituted on 8th August 1902 by King Edward VII who wished to recognise more fully the faithful and meritorious services rendered to him by members of “The Civil Service of various parts of the Empire’”.

The Imperial Service Medal is governed by statute and is awarded to those employees in industrial and certain non-industrial grades who, on retirement from the Civil Service, have completed not less than 25 years faithful and meritorious service.

The obverse of the medal bears the effigy of the Sovereign and the reverse the words “For Faithful Service” and a design symbolising:

“The enjoyment of well-earned retirements” from the Civil Service.

24 Comments CherryPie on Nov 30th 2015

24 Responses to “The Queen Has Been Graciously Pleased…”

  1. Well my goodness. Congratulations.

    “25 years of meritorious service”

    I raise my glass to you, Madam.

    Have you retired?

  2. Sean Jeating says:

    I am speechless, Mylady.
    Almost.
    Sláinte!

  3. Astrid says:

    Wow, Cherry, what an honour this is. We have the same sentence, well now of course it pleases the King…. I remember my Grandfather had one for proven bravery in WWII he was a Naval captain. In the Netherlands it is custom that the medal return to the ‘country’ after the person dies.
    I read that you changed jobs, different employer or different work??
    Enjoy the occasion. Always nice to be noticed :)

    • CherryPie says:

      It is indeed an honour as it was to provide the service that resulted in the meddle :-)

      My Dad would have been so proud and if he was still here would be busily framing the certificate.

      We don’t have the same custom as you. A lot of military medals are given by the family for display in museums relevant to the medal recipient.

  4. Chrysalis says:

    I saw the first couple lines of this post pop up in my reader and had to come see what it was all about and give you a “yay!”

    Yayyyyyyyyy, Cherie!!!!!

    Was that too American-ish?

    (Wait, a few more “a’s” and “y’s” and exclamation points should convince you I’m an obnoxious American, because I’m sure it wasn’t obvious before ;)

    “aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaayyyyyyyyyy!!!!!!!

    So should I curtsy, now, when I enter here, or ? ;)

    In all seriousness, that is quite an accomplishment, Cherie, what an honor – how proud your family must be! Hugs to you and congratulations! :)

    PS – Yayyyyyyyyy!!!!!

  5. rusty duck says:

    Many congratulations Cherie. I wonder how many times you’ve said.. “I deserve a medal.” And now you have it!

  6. james higham says:

    Oh, well done that girl! Honoured to be in your presence.

  7. Jane says:

    That is just outstanding! What an honour and well deserved I am sure. Congratulations!!

  8. Ayush says:

    wow, Cherie. congratulations!

  9. Ginnie says:

    Woo Hoo, Cherry. The only thing missing was receiving it from the Queen herself! CONGRATULATIONS, indeed.

    • CherryPie says:

      The Queen presenting the medal to me really would have been a day to remember.

      I still remember the day she passed by the end of my drive when I was a child. I sat on the garden wall wearing my favourite headband for the occasion. I was feeling good that it was my wall and I had a prime seat to see her in her car as it passed by :-)

  10. ubermouth says:

    Congratulations Cherie. Was this honour expected or a complete surprise? Did you take Mummy to the do? I bet she was very proud of you!Pity your Dad could not be there.

    Did Mr C take pics of you accepting your medal? If so, I look forward to seeing them :)

    • CherryPie says:

      It wasn’t a complete surprise I knew several months ago that those with enough qualifying service had been put forward for the medal. At that time I did not know if I would be awarded it, one never knows…

      Only Mr C accompanied me. He did take photos but unfortunately I am not allowed to share them.

  11. Christmas has certainly arrived early this year for you!
    Make sure you polish the medal every day. ;)