[2] Each battle or action covered by the medal was represented by a clasp on the ribbon and twenty-one were sanctioned.

On either side of the effigy is the inscription VICTORIA and REGINA.The reverse bears and an allegorical representation of Victory holding a laurel branch in her right hand and a wreath in her left.

In the foreground is a lotus flower, with a palm tree and[6] trophy of arms in the background.

[7].British recipients had their name and unit impressed on the rim of the medal in block Roman capitals.

Medals to Indians – which were named locally – had a number of different impressed and engraved styles.